Defence Minister Christopher Musa Orders Troops to Shoot Bandits, Terrorists Without Waiting for Approval
The Federal Government has intensified its stance against insecurity, with the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, directing security personnel to take immediate action against bandits and terrorists without waiting for orders from superior officers.
Speaking on Wednesday in Sokoto State, the Defence Minister issued the directive while commissioning 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 operatives, Musa stressed that personnel deployed to combat terrorism and banditry must act decisively whenever they encounter armed criminals.
“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 warned that any security operative who hesitates to neutralise armed terrorists or bandits under the excuse of awaiting directives would be considered as aiding criminal elements. According to him, the nation’s security forces have a duty to respond swiftly to threats in order to protect innocent lives and restore peace in affected communities.
Musa’s remarks come as Nigeria continues to battle persistent attacks by bandits and terrorist groups, particularly across parts of the North-West and North-East, where communities have faced repeated incidents of kidnapping, killings and displacement.
The commissioning of the new security assets is expected to enhance operational capacity, improve mobility for security agencies and strengthen ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities across Sokoto State. The equipment forms part of the state government’s broader investment in supporting federal security operations.
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The Defence Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to defeating terrorism and banditry, urging security personnel to remain proactive, courageous and uncompromising in carrying out their constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property.
