The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has directed security personnel to shoot bandits and terrorists on sight during operations, warning that operatives who fail to act under the guise of awaiting orders would be treated as collaborators.
He said soldiers and other security personnel deployed to combat insecurity must respond decisively to armed criminals without hesitation.
Musa gave the directive on Wednesday during the inauguration of 62 operational vehicles and other security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” he said.
The minister added that any operative who failed to confront bandits or terrorists while claiming to be awaiting directives would be regarded as a collaborator.
He commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for procuring the security assets, describing the investment as a demonstration of strategic leadership and sustained support for security agencies.
According to him, the newly commissioned armoured vehicles and tactical equipment would enhance operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
Musa, however, cautioned security personnel against mishandling the equipment, stressing that the assets must be properly maintained to justify the huge investment by the state government.
He also urged officers to remain professional in the discharge of their duties and avoid harassing or extorting innocent residents.
“You are there to protect the people and work with them to eliminate bandits and terrorists operating within your area,” he said.
Earlier, Governor Aliyu said the procurement formed part of his administration’s sustained investment in strengthening security across the state.
He disclosed that the state government 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 at a total cost of ₦27.127 billion.
Aliyu added that his administration had previously invested more than ₦36 billion in security interventions, including the construction of military and police barracks, support for the Nigerian Air Force Base and the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps.
The governor also revealed that a bill seeking stiffer penalties for informants aiding bandits had been forwarded to the State House of Assembly, while plans were underway to establish a Command and Control Centre to improve surveillance and coordination of security operations.
He appealed to residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that tackling insecurity requires the collective efforts of government, security agencies and citizens.