Don’t Wait for Orders to Shoot Bandits, Defence Minister Tells Troops in Sokoto

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has ordered security personnel to confront terrorists and bandits without hesitation, warning that any operative who delays action under the guise of “awaiting orders” will be treated as a collaborator.

Musa gave the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government.

“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” he said.  

“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 described the donation as “strategic leadership and responsible governance” and commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for consistent support to security agencies. He said the new armoured vehicles, motorcycles and tactical gadgets would boost mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.

Musa, who described himself as “a proud son of Sokoto,” also cautioned troops against abusing the equipment or harassing civilians.  

“This equipment costs billions of naira. We don’t want to hand them over and then you throw them away or mishandle them,” he warned.  

“You are there to protect them and work with them to eliminate bandits and terrorists operating within your area.”

Governor Aliyu said the latest procurement included bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo APCs, 320 motorcycles, 3,200 security gadgets, 2,000 bulletproof helmets and vests, and 200 night-vision goggles. He added that the state has spent over ₦36 billion on security since 2023, including barracks, the Community Guard Corps, and support for the Air Force base.

The governor disclosed that a bill seeking stiffer penalties for informants aiding bandits is before the State Assembly, and that a Command and Control Centre has been approved to enhance surveillance.

He urged residents to provide credible intelligence, saying “security is a collective responsibility and together we shall overcome every security challenge confronting our state.”