The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Retd.), has directed security personnel deployed against bandits and terrorists to take immediate action against armed criminals without waiting for further authorization.
Speaking on Wednesday in Sokoto during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment valued at ₦27.127 billion, Musa warned that security operatives who fail to confront armed criminals under the guise of awaiting orders would be treated as collaborators.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” the Minister declared.
“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.”
The newly commissioned vehicles and tactical equipment were procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state.
Musa described the investment as a reflection of responsible leadership and commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for supporting security agencies with operational resources.
“This event is not merely the unveiling of security assets. It is a demonstration of strategic leadership, responsible governance and our collective determination to strengthen the security architecture of Sokoto State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
The minister, who referred to himself as “a proud son of Sokoto,” said the state had remained relatively peaceful because of cooperation between the government, security agencies and residents.
He added that the newly acquired armoured vehicles and other tactical assets would improve operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
Musa also urged security personnel to ensure the equipment is properly maintained.
“This equipment costs billions of naira. We don’t want to hand them over and then you throw them away or mishandle them. They must serve the purpose for which they were procured,” he said.
While calling for professionalism, the minister reminded officers that their duty is to protect law-abiding citizens while taking decisive action against criminal elements.
“You are not to go there and extort or harass the people. You are there to protect them and work with them to eliminate bandits and terrorists operating within your area,” he added.
Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the procurement formed part of his administration’s sustained investment in strengthening security since taking office.
According to the governor, the latest acquisition includes bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 320 motorcycles, 3,200 security gadgets, 2,000 bulletproof helmets and vests, 200 night-vision goggles, thermal devices and other operational equipment.
“In all, we are distributing 62 vehicles and the security equipment highlighted above. These vehicles and security equipment cost the Sokoto State Government ₦27.127 billion,” Aliyu said.
He disclosed that the state had previously committed more than ₦36 billion to security initiatives, including the provision of operational vehicles, motorcycles, military and police barracks, the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and support for the Nigerian Air Force Base.
Aliyu also revealed that his administration had sent a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking tougher sanctions against informants who assist bandits.
“The bill is currently before the State House of Assembly and once it is passed, we will sign it without any further delay,” he said.
The governor further announced plans to establish a Command and Control Centre to improve surveillance and coordination of security operations across the state.
Appealing to residents to continue providing useful intelligence to security agencies, Aliyu stressed that addressing insecurity requires collective participation.
“Security is a collective responsibility and together we shall overcome every security challenge confronting our State,” he said.