The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has ordered security personnel to take immediate action against terrorists and bandits, warning that operatives who fail to engage armed criminals while claiming they are awaiting orders would be treated as collaborators.
Speaking on Wednesday during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government, Musa said security forces must act decisively once deployed.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” the minister said.
He added that any operative who refused to confront terrorists or bandits under the pretext of waiting for instructions would be regarded as aiding criminal elements.
Musa described the commissioning of the security assets as a demonstration of strategic leadership and commended Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu for supporting security agencies with logistics and operational equipment.
According to the minister, the newly acquired armoured vehicles and tactical equipment will enhance operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
He also urged security personnel to ensure the equipment is properly maintained, stressing that assets purchased with public funds must be used effectively.
While calling on officers to remain professional, Musa reminded them to protect innocent civilians and avoid harassment or extortion during operations.
Earlier, Governor Aliyu said the latest investment formed part of his administration’s sustained commitment to improving security across the state.
He disclosed that the state procured 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 tactical equipment.
According to the governor, the 62 vehicles and accompanying security equipment cost the state government ₦27.127 billion, while more than ₦36 billion has already been spent on various security interventions since he assumed office.
Aliyu also revealed that his administration had forwarded a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking stiffer penalties for informants aiding bandits, saying it would be signed into law once passed.
He further announced plans to establish a Command and Control Centre to improve surveillance and coordination of security operations across Sokoto State.
The governor appealed to residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, saying collective efforts remain essential to defeating banditry.
