Defence Minister Unveils New Security Strategy, Orders Troops to Shoot Armed Bandits on Sight

Defence Minister Unveils New Security Strategy, Orders Troops to Shoot Armed Bandits on Sight

Newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), has issued a decisive directive ordering troops to engage armed bandits on sight without waiting for additional commands. The minister made this declaration during his Senate screening on Wednesday, stressing that immediate engagement is vital for frontline protection and for restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s security operations.

Responding to lawmakers’ concerns about operational delays in confronting insurgents, Musa clarified that soldiers deployed to conflict zones already possess an automatic mandate to neutralise armed criminals. He maintained that personnel must act swiftly to defend themselves, their colleagues, and vulnerable communities.

According to Musa, “Once you are deployed, you automatically have that responsibility. Somebody is aiming to shoot at you—waiting for orders from who? If any member of the armed forces tells you he’s waiting for an order, he is lying and is only a coward.”

The Defence Minister further revealed a plan to withdraw soldiers from routine checkpoints nationwide and redeploy them to more volatile operational theatres. Under the restructuring, the Nigeria Police Force and NSCDC will take over checkpoint duties, enabling military units to intensify operations in forested and high-risk regions where bandits operate.

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Musa emphasised that the shift is essential to reclaim farmlands, protect food-producing communities, and reverse the disruptions caused by widespread violence. “Farmers must be able to go back to their farms… If people can’t eat, you can imagine what will happen,” he warned.

Addressing rising mass killings across regions, Musa condemned the perpetrators as “a bunch of evil people on drugs” and urged unified national action. He stressed that lapses in coordination allow criminals to exploit weak points in the security system, calling for improved synergy among all agencies.

On military recruitment, the minister disclosed plans to intensify background checks to detect saboteurs, ensure loyalty, and balance regional representation. He noted that while over 70,000 Nigerians applied to join the military, some candidates resist postings to conflict areas, and certain states contribute fewer recruits.

Musa also proposed engaging retired military personnel with decades of experience, insisting that their expertise should be utilised to strengthen national security frameworks.

Acknowledging the pressure on his new office, Musa vowed not to fail Nigerians. He pledged to close long-standing security gaps attributed to years of inadequate coordination between communities and government structures.

Through his assertive policy shifts, Musa signalled a new era in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, banditry, and insecurity, assuring lawmakers that his leadership will deliver improved national safety.

Defence Minister Unveils New Security Strategy, Orders Troops to Shoot Armed Bandits on Sight