Defence minister orders troops to shoot terrorists without waiting for orders

Defence minister orders troops to shoot terrorists without waiting for orders

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has directed military personnel and other security operatives to take immediate action against terrorists and armed bandits, warning that officers who hesitate to engage criminals while waiting for directives from superior officers risk being treated as collaborators.

The minister issued the warning on Wednesday during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state.

Addressing troops and other security personnel at the event, Musa said every officer deployed to combat zones has a responsibility to protect lives and eliminate threats without unnecessary delays.

“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,” the minister said.

The directive comes as Nigeria intensifies military operations against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping in parts of the North-West, North-East and North-Central regions, where armed groups continue to attack communities, security personnel and critical infrastructure.

The minister said the Federal Government has continued to invest heavily in military hardware and operational logistics to ensure security agencies are adequately equipped to confront criminal groups.

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According to him, troops must make effective use of the newly acquired assets to improve mobility, intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid response during security operations.

He noted that improved operational capability would significantly enhance efforts to dismantle terrorist hideouts, rescue kidnapped victims and restore peace to affected communities.

While urging security personnel to be decisive in the field, Musa also warned against misconduct, stressing that officers must respect the rights of law-abiding citizens while carrying out their duties.

He cautioned against extortion, harassment or intimidation of residents, reminding security personnel that they were deployed to protect communities and build public confidence.

“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. 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.

The minister commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his administration’s continued investment in security, describing the procurement of operational vehicles and tactical equipment as a demonstration of responsible leadership and commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

He said Sokoto State has remained relatively stable because of the cooperation between the state government, security agencies and local communities, adding that sustained collaboration remains essential to defeating insecurity across the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Aliyu disclosed that the state government procured bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 320 motorcycles, 3,200 security gadgets, 2,000 bulletproof helmets and ballistic vests, 200 night-vision goggles, thermal imaging devices and other tactical equipment valued at ₦27.127 billion.

The governor said the latest investment forms part of broader efforts by his administration to strengthen security institutions and improve their operational effectiveness.

According to him, Sokoto State has spent more than ₦36 billion on security interventions since he assumed office, including the construction of military and police barracks, support for the Nigerian Air Force Base, procurement of operational vehicles and motorcycles, and the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps.

Aliyu also revealed that a bill establishing a State Security Trust Fund is currently before the Sokoto State House of Assembly and would be signed into law immediately after its passage to ensure sustainable funding for security operations.

He further announced the approval of a Command and Control Centre, which will enhance surveillance, intelligence sharing and coordination among security agencies across the state.

The governor appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely intelligence, stressing that defeating banditry and terrorism requires collective action from both government and citizens.

The newly commissioned operational vehicles and equipment were subsequently distributed to the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and security personnel assigned to the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway project to strengthen ongoing operations across the state.

Although the minister’s remarks underscored the government’s determination to intensify the fight against insecurity, no changes to the military’s rules of engagement or operational procedures were announced during the event.

Defence minister orders troops to shoot terrorists without waiting for order