Defence minister orders troops to shoot terrorists without awaiting approval

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has directed security personnel to immediately engage and neutralise terrorists and armed bandits without waiting for orders, warning that any operative who hesitates would be regarded as an accomplice of criminal groups.

Musa issued the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto while commissioning 62 operational vehicles and other security equipment valued at ₦27.127 billion, procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations.

He said security personnel deployed to combat insurgency and banditry must act decisively against criminals whenever they encounter them.

“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist. Anybody who refuses to shoot or kill any bandit or terrorist in the name of waiting for an order, we will treat you like a bandit,” he said.

The minister described the procurement of the security assets as a major investment in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for prioritising support for security agencies.

According to him, the armoured vehicles and tactical equipment will improve mobility, intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness in the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.

He, however, warned security personnel against misusing or neglecting the equipment, stressing that the assets must be properly maintained and deployed strictly for security operations.

Musa also urged officers to remain professional by protecting law-abiding citizens while taking firm action against criminal elements.

Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the newly acquired security assets included bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers, 320 motorcycles, 3,200 security gadgets, 2,000 bulletproof helmets and vests, 200 night-vision goggles, thermal devices and other tactical equipment.

He said the procurement cost the state government ₦27.127 billion and formed part of broader investments exceeding ₦36 billion in security since the beginning of his administration.

The governor added that the state had also invested in military and police barracks, established the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and supported the Nigerian Air Force Base to strengthen security operations.

Aliyu disclosed that his administration had forwarded a bill to the State House of Assembly proposing tougher penalties for informants who aid bandits, expressing confidence that it would soon become law.

He also announced plans to establish a Command and Control Centre to improve surveillance and coordination of security operations across the state.

The governor urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, saying sustained collaboration remained essential to defeating banditry and other violent crimes.