‘Shoot terrorists first; don’t wait for orders,’ defence minister tells troops

…Sokoto Unveils N27.6bn Security Arsenal
…Christopher Musa Commissions Armoured Vehicles, Tactical Equipment

By Frontline Reporters

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has issued a stern directive to troops battling terrorism and banditry across the country, ordering them to engage and neutralise armed criminals immediately without waiting for clearance from superior officers.

The minister warned that any security operative who fails to confront terrorists or bandits under the excuse of awaiting orders would be regarded as collaborating with the enemy. He gave the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto during the commissioning of a N27.6 billion security intervention package procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen the fight against insecurity.

“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” Musa declared. “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. This is a general order.”

The security assets, unveiled at the Giginya Memorial Stadium, include armoured personnel carriers, tactical vehicles and 300 motorcycles designed to enhance rapid response, intelligence gathering, surveillance and troop mobility across vulnerable communities in Sokoto State. The commissioning ceremony attracted senior military officers, security chiefs, traditional rulers, government officials and residents.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu described the procurement as one of the largest security investments ever undertaken by the state, noting that it was aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of security agencies in tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes. He said the intervention forms part of his administration’s comprehensive strategy to restore peace and safeguard lives and property, particularly in border and rural communities that have suffered repeated attacks.

According to the governor, no meaningful development can take place without security, stressing that agriculture, commerce and other economic activities thrive only in a peaceful environment. He assured residents that his administration would continue investing in initiatives that complement the Federal Government’s efforts to defeat criminal elements.

Aliyu also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their sustained support in combating insecurity. In recognition of the Defence Minister’s contributions to national security, the governor inaugurated a major road in the Sokoto metropolis and named it General Christopher Musa Road.

Responding, Gen. Musa commended the Sokoto State Government for demonstrating visionary leadership through its huge investment in security, describing the initiative as a significant boost to ongoing military operations in the North-West. He stressed that defeating terrorism and banditry requires close collaboration among the Federal, state and local governments, as well as the active cooperation of citizens.

The minister urged residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, insisting that community participation remains critical to overcoming emerging security threats. He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain fully committed to crushing terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups to restore lasting peace and stability across the country.

The ceremony concluded with the inspection and symbolic handover of the newly acquired security assets to relevant security agencies, with stakeholders describing the intervention as a major milestone in strengthening Sokoto State’s security architecture and reinforcing the nation’s ongoing war against terrorism and banditry.