The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has warned that security personnel who fail to confront armed bandits and terrorists under the excuse of waiting for orders would be regarded as collaborators.
Musa gave the warning on Wednesday in Sokoto during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations.
He directed security operatives not to delay taking action against terrorists once deployed, insisting that any officer who hesitates to neutralise criminals would be treated as aiding them.
“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,” he said.
The Defence minister described the procurement of the security assets as a demonstration of strategic leadership and commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for supporting security agencies with logistics and operational equipment.
According to him, the newly commissioned armoured vehicles and tactical equipment will improve operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
He, however, cautioned security personnel against mishandling the equipment, stressing that the assets, acquired at enormous cost, must be properly maintained and used for their intended purpose.
Musa also reminded officers to remain professional by protecting innocent citizens while taking decisive action against criminals.
“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.
Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the latest intervention was part of his administration’s sustained investment in improving security across Sokoto 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.
“In all, we are distributing 62 vehicles and the security equipment highlighted above. These vehicles and security equipment cost the Sokoto State Government ₦27.127 billion,” the governor said.
Aliyu added that the state had previously spent more than ₦36 billion on security interventions, including the construction of military and police barracks, support for the Nigerian Air Force Base and the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps.
The governor further revealed that his administration had forwarded a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking stiffer penalties for informants aiding bandits, expressing confidence that it would be signed into law once passed.
He also announced the approval for the establishment of a Command and Control Centre to strengthen surveillance and coordination of security operations across the state, while urging residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
