‘Don’t Wait for Orders to Neutralise Bandits, Terrorists’, Defence Minister Tells Troops
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has directed security personnel to take decisive action against bandits and terrorists without waiting for further authorisation once they are deployed for operations.
Gen. Musa gave the directive on Wednesday during the commissioning of newly acquired armoured vehicles and other security assets by the Sokoto State Government in Sokoto, saying the equipment was procured to strengthen ongoing efforts to combat insecurity across the state and the country.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist. I want to make that very loud and clear,” he directed.
He warned that any security operative who failed to engage bandits or terrorists under the guise of awaiting orders would be treated as aiding criminal elements, stressing that personnel must take the fight to those threatening the country’s peace and security.
“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 Minister noted that the evolving security landscape requires a more dynamic response driven by improved mobility, enhanced force protection, better intelligence, modern technology, and stronger collaboration among security agencies and local communities.
According to him, the security assets provided by the Sokoto State Government will significantly improve the operational effectiveness of security agencies in the state by enhancing rapid response to incidents, strengthening mobility, and protecting personnel engaged in counter-terrorism, anti-banditry, and anti-kidnapping operations.
Musa asserted that security remains a shared responsibility, urging residents to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence. He pointed out that criminal groups often operate within communities and can only be effectively dismantled through sustained cooperation between citizens and security institutions.
He also emphasised that investment in security is essential for development, noting that peace and stability are prerequisites for growth in agriculture, education, healthcare, commerce, and infrastructure, while also attracting investment and promoting economic prosperity.
“Every investment in security is an investment in development. Without peace, there cannot be meaningful progress in agriculture, education, healthcare, commerce or infrastructure.”
While reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to securing every part of the country, the Minister declared that efforts would continue to improve the welfare of security personnel, strengthen intelligence capabilities, invest in modern technology, deepen inter-agency collaboration, and provide the resources needed for security agencies to discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
Musa, however, stressed that sophisticated equipment alone would not guarantee lasting peace, saying success also depends on professionalism, discipline, intelligence-led operations, effective coordination, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
“Security cannot be achieved by government alone. It requires trust, vigilance, timely intelligence, and sustained cooperation between the security agencies and the communities,” he stated.
He encouraged officers entrusted with the newly commissioned assets to maintain the equipment properly and use it responsibly, warning against negligence or misuse that could render the vehicles unserviceable within a short period.
The Minister further reminded security personnel to respect the rights of citizens during operations, warning against harassment and extortion while urging them to work closely with communities in combating insecurity.
“You are there to protect the rights of the citizens. You are not to go there and extort them or harass them,” he urged.
He commended the Sokoto State Government for investing in security and expressed confidence that the new operational vehicles would strengthen the capacity of security agencies, reinforce public confidence, and contribute to lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the state and across Nigeria.
