The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has ordered security personnel involved in counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations to take immediate action against armed criminals, warning that officers who fail to engage terrorists or bandits when necessary would be treated as collaborators.
Speaking during the commissioning of newly acquired security assets in Sokoto State, the minister said troops should not delay responding to threats while waiting for further instructions.
He emphasised that any security operative deployed to confront terrorists or bandits has the authority to act decisively whenever the situation demands, adding that failure to do so would attract serious consequences.
The directive came as the Sokoto State Government unveiled a ₦27.6 billion security intervention programme, which includes armoured personnel carriers, tactical vehicles and 300 motorcycles to strengthen security operations across the state.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the investment is one of the state’s largest security initiatives and is aimed at improving the operational capacity of security agencies in combating banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
According to the governor, the new equipment will enhance intelligence gathering, surveillance, rapid response and troop mobility, particularly in rural and border communities affected by insecurity.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies and thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security institutions for their continued efforts to restore peace across the country.
The governor also honoured the Defence Minister by naming a major road in Sokoto after him in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s security efforts.
In his remarks, Musa commended the Sokoto State Government for prioritising security, describing the investment as a significant step toward improving public safety and strengthening ongoing operations against criminal groups.
He stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved through collaboration between all levels of government, security agencies and citizens, urging residents to continue providing credible intelligence to assist security forces.
The defence minister assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain committed to eliminating criminal elements and improving security nationwide.
