Defence Minister Orders Troops To Shoot And Kill Bandits, Terrorists On Sight

The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, on Wednesday directed troops to decisively confront bandits threatening lives and property and eliminate them on sight.

The Minister gave the marching order at the inauguration ceremony in Sokoto of 62 armoured vehicles and 300 motorcycles valued at ₦2.7 billion, donated by the Sokoto State Government to security agencies.

He commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his sustained commitment to strengthening security and supporting efforts to combat banditry and other criminal activities in the state.

Gen. Musa described the security assets as a major boost to ongoing military and security operations, noting that the intervention would complement the Federal Government’s efforts to restore peace across the state.

The minister also acknowledged the role of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in facilitating the procurement of the armoured vehicles.

Call for Collective Action

Musa stressed that the acquisition of equipment alone would not guarantee lasting peace.

He emphasized the need for collective commitment, intelligence sharing, and active collaboration among security agencies and residents.

He urged personnel deployed to frontline areas to make effective use of the equipment and ensure proper maintenance, noting that significant public resources had been invested in enhancing the country’s security architecture.

The minister further directed security personnel to act promptly during operations.

“Once you are deployed, engage and neutralise any bandit threatening innocent lives. Do not wait for further directives. This is a standing operational order. We must crush these bandits,” he said.

Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the donation of 62 armoured vehicles, 300 motorcycles and other security equipment, valued at ₦2.7 billion, was aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of security agencies and improving the protection of lives and property across the state.

He described security as the foundation for sustainable development, noting that insecurity had posed a significant challenge to Sokoto and the wider North-West region.

According to the governor, his administration has provided security agencies with support worth over ₦36 billion since assuming office.

This includes the procurement and donation of more than 200 operational vehicles and 280 motorcycles.

Aliyu said the state government had also increased allowances for security personnel serving in frontline areas, constructed a Mobile Police barracks in Sabon Birni, established the Sokoto Security Guards equipped with 40 vehicles and 700 motorcycles, and built 25 residential houses for security personnel in Konnawa.

He commended security agencies for their cooperation with the state government and said addressing insecurity requires collective responsibility.

The governor disclosed that his administration had forwarded a bill to the Sokoto State House of Assembly seeking to classify individuals who provide information or logistical support to bandits as bandits themselves.

He said he would sign the bill into law once it is passed by the legislature.

Aliyu further announced the donation of 10 Hilux vehicles to the Ministry of Works to support ongoing construction activities on the Sokoto–Badagry Highway.