Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has directed security personnel to shoot terrorists and bandits without waiting for orders.
The minister gave the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto State while commissioning 62 operational vehicles and other security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to boost security operations.
Musa warned that any security operative who failed to engage terrorists under the excuse of awaiting orders would be regarded as collaborating with the criminals.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” he said.
He added, “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 Defence Minister described the commissioning of the operational assets as a demonstration of strategic leadership and commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for consistently supporting security agencies with logistics and equipment.
According to him, the intervention reflects responsible governance and a collective commitment to strengthening the security architecture of Sokoto State and the country.
Musa, who described himself as a proud son of Sokoto, said the state had remained one of Nigeria’s most peaceful because of the collaboration among the government, security agencies and residents.
He noted that the newly acquired armoured vehicles and tactical equipment would improve operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
The minister, however, cautioned security personnel against mishandling the equipment, stressing that the assets must be properly maintained to serve the purpose for which they were procured.
He also urged officers to remain professional by protecting innocent citizens while taking decisive action against criminal elements.
Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the latest intervention formed part of his administration’s sustained investment in tackling insecurity across the state.
He disclosed that the government procured 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.
According to the governor, the 62 vehicles and other security assets cost the state government ₦27.127 billion.
Aliyu further revealed that his administration had previously spent more than ₦36 billion on security interventions, including the construction of military and police barracks, provision of operational vehicles, establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and support for the Nigerian Air Force Base.
He also disclosed that a bill seeking stiffer penalties for informants aiding bandits had been forwarded to the State House of Assembly for consideration.
The governor said his administration had approved the establishment of a Command and Control Centre to strengthen surveillance and improve coordination of security operations across the state.
He appealed to residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, maintaining that defeating banditry and terrorism requires collective effort.
“Security is a collective responsibility and together we shall overcome every security challenge confronting our state,” Aliyu said.
Post Comment