The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), on Wednesday directed security personnel deployed to combat terrorism and banditry to engage armed criminals without waiting for orders, warning that operatives who hesitate would be treated as collaborators.
Musa issued the directive in Sokoto while commissioning 62 operational vehicles and security equipment valued at N27.127bn, procured by the Sokoto State Government to bolster security operations.
The minister said soldiers and other security personnel must act decisively whenever they encounter terrorists or bandits.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” Musa said.
“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 described the procurement of the vehicles and equipment as a demonstration of strategic leadership and applauded Governor Ahmed Aliyu for sustaining support for security agencies through the provision of logistics.
According to him, the intervention would significantly strengthen the state’s security architecture and improve the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
Musa, who identified himself as “a proud son of Sokoto,” said the state had remained relatively peaceful due to the collaboration among the government, security agencies and residents.
He noted that the newly acquired armoured vehicles and tactical equipment would enhance operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection.
The minister, however, warned security agencies against mishandling the equipment, stressing that the assets were acquired with huge public funds.
“This equipment costs billions of naira. We don’t want to hand them over and then you throw them away or mishandle them. They must serve the purpose for which they were procured,” he said.
He also cautioned officers against extorting or harassing residents while carrying out operations.
“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.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the latest procurement was part of his administration’s sustained investment in tackling insecurity since assuming office.
He disclosed that the state acquired 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 N27.127bn,” the governor said.
Aliyu revealed that his administration had so far spent more than N36bn on security interventions, including the construction of military and police barracks, procurement of operational vehicles and motorcycles, establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, and support for the Nigerian Air Force Base.
The governor also announced that his government had forwarded a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking stiffer penalties for informants aiding bandits.
“The bill is currently before the State House of Assembly and once it is passed, we will sign it without any further delay,” he said.
He added that the state had approved the establishment of a Command and Control Centre to improve surveillance and coordination of security operations.
Aliyu urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, stressing that defeating banditry requires collective action.
“Security is a collective responsibility and together we shall overcome every security challenge confronting our state,” he said.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
