By Deborah Nnamdi
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has directed security personnel across the country to take immediate action against armed bandits and terrorists, warning that any operative who hesitates to engage criminals while claiming to be awaiting orders would be treated as an accomplice.
Musa issued the directive on Wednesday during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth N27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations.
Addressing security personnel, the minister stressed that troops deployed for operations must act decisively against criminal elements without waiting for further authorisation.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” he said.
He warned that any officer who fails to confront armed criminals under the guise of awaiting instructions would be regarded as collaborating with them.
The minister described the commissioning of the security assets as a demonstration of strategic leadership and responsible governance, commending Governor Ahmed Aliyu for consistently supporting security agencies with logistics and operational equipment.
According to Musa, the collaboration between the state government, security agencies and residents has helped make Sokoto one of the more peaceful states in the country despite prevailing security challenges.
He noted that the newly acquired armoured vehicles and tactical equipment would enhance operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
Musa, however, cautioned security personnel against mishandling the equipment, stressing that the assets, acquired at significant cost, must be properly maintained and effectively deployed for their intended purpose.
He also urged officers to remain professional in carrying out their duties, emphasising that innocent citizens must be protected while criminal elements are decisively dealt with.
Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the latest procurement formed part of his administration’s sustained investment in improving security across the state since assuming office.
He disclosed that the state government acquired bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 320 motorcycles, 3,200 security gadgets, 2,000 bulletproof helmets and vests, 200 night-vision goggles, thermal devices and other tactical equipment.
According to the governor, the 62 operational vehicles and accompanying security equipment cost the state government ₦27.127 billion.
Aliyu further revealed that his administration had previously spent more than ₦36 billion on various security interventions, including the construction of military and police barracks, procurement of operational vehicles and motorcycles, the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and support for the Nigerian Air Force Base.
The governor also announced that a bill seeking stiffer penalties for individuals who provide information or support to bandits had been forwarded to the State House of Assembly and would be signed into law once passed.
In addition, he said the government had approved the establishment of a Command and Control Centre to improve surveillance and coordination of security operations across the state.
Aliyu appealed to residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that tackling insecurity requires the cooperation of both the government and the public.
