The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has ordered security personnel involved in counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations to take immediate action against armed criminals without waiting for further instructions.
Speaking on Wednesday during the commissioning of security assets purchased by the Sokoto State Government, Musa warned that any operative who fails to confront terrorists or bandits under the excuse of awaiting orders would be treated as an accomplice.
He said:
“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. This is a general order.”
The minister spoke during the unveiling of a N27.6 billion security intervention package by the Sokoto State Government, which includes armoured personnel carriers, tactical vehicles and 300 motorcycles to strengthen security operations across the state.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu described the procurement as one of the state’s biggest investments in security, saying it would improve the capacity of security agencies to combat banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He said the vehicles and motorcycles would boost rapid response, surveillance, intelligence gathering and troop mobility, particularly in rural and border communities affected by insecurity.
Aliyu also thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for supporting the fight against insecurity. He further honoured Gen. Musa by inaugurating a major road in Sokoto metropolis and naming it General Christopher Musa Road in recognition of his contributions to national security.
