The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has directed military personnel involved in counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations to take immediate action against armed criminals without waiting for additional instructions.
Speaking on Wednesday during the commissioning of security assets acquired by the Sokoto State Government, the defence minister warned that any security operative who fails to engage terrorists or bandits under the excuse of awaiting orders would be regarded as collaborating with criminal elements.
According to him, troops deployed to conflict areas have a clear mandate to neutralise terrorists and bandits whenever they pose a threat.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or terrorist,” Musa declared.
He added that any officer who refuses to act against criminals while claiming to be waiting for directives would be treated as an accomplice to the enemy, describing the instruction as a standing general order.
The directive came as the Sokoto State Government unveiled a ₦27.6 billion security intervention package aimed at strengthening security operations across the state.
The newly acquired assets, which include armoured personnel carriers, tactical vehicles and 300 motorcycles, were commissioned at the Giginya Memorial Stadium in Sokoto. The event was attended by senior military officers, security chiefs, traditional rulers, government officials and residents.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu described the procurement as one of the biggest security investments ever made by the state, noting that the equipment would improve the capacity of security agencies to combat banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He explained that the investment forms part of his administration’s broader efforts to restore peace, particularly in border communities and rural areas frequently targeted by criminal groups.
Aliyu stressed that lasting development is only possible in a secure environment, adding that agriculture, commerce and other economic activities cannot flourish where insecurity persists.
According to the governor, the newly acquired armoured vehicles and motorcycles will enhance rapid response operations, intelligence gathering, surveillance and troop mobility, especially in difficult terrains.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their continued support in addressing insecurity, pledging that the state would continue investing in initiatives that complement federal security efforts.
The governor further commended Gen. Musa for his leadership in the fight against terrorism and banditry. As part of the event, he inaugurated a major road in Sokoto metropolis and named it General Christopher Musa Road in honour of the defence minister.
In his remarks, Musa praised the Sokoto State Government for prioritising security, describing the investment as evidence of responsible leadership and commitment to protecting lives and property.
He maintained that defeating insecurity requires strong collaboration among the federal, state and local governments, alongside active support from citizens.
The minister said the newly commissioned security assets would improve operational effectiveness and boost the morale of personnel deployed across Sokoto State and the wider North-West region.
He also appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains essential in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
Musa reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to eliminating criminal elements and restoring lasting peace across Nigeria.
The ceremony concluded with the inspection and symbolic handover of the security equipment to relevant security agencies, with stakeholders describing the intervention as a significant boost to security operations in Sokoto State and the wider campaign against insecurity.
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