The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has ordered security personnel to immediately engage and neutralise bandits and terrorists once deployed, warning that any operative who delays action while waiting for approval would be treated as an accomplice.
Musa issued the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto State during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and other security equipment valued at N27.1 billion, procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state.
Addressing the troops, the Defence Minister said security personnel must not hesitate to confront criminal elements whenever they are deployed.
“Once you’re 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 – 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,” Musa said.
He also urged personnel to properly maintain the newly acquired operational assets, noting that the equipment represented a significant investment by the government.
“It is important for those that will handle this equipment, these equipment cost billions of naira that could have been used for other aspects but have been dedicated to this.
“So I want to charge you that you must maintain this equipment very well. We will come after a year to see how these equipment are doing,” he added.
The operational vehicles and security equipment are expected to enhance the capacity of security agencies in tackling banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities across Sokoto State.
