The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Minister of Defence for authorising troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations to shoot terrorists on sight, describing the directive as a bold step towards tackling the country’s worsening security challenges.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights advocacy group said the directive reflects the Federal Government’s determination to confront terrorism, insurgency and violent extremism that have continued to threaten lives and national stability.
However, HURIWA cautioned that the order may fail to achieve its intended objective unless it is formally communicated through the military chain of command to officers and soldiers deployed across various theatres of operation.
According to the group, military operations are guided by strict discipline and hierarchy, with soldiers acting only on lawful instructions transmitted through their commanders rather than media reports or public statements.
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HURIWA urged the Defence Minister to ensure the directive is immediately conveyed to the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, Theatre Commanders, General Officers Commanding, Brigade Commanders and other operational commanders for onward transmission to frontline troops.
The association noted that many soldiers fighting insurgents in states such as Borno, Yobe and Adamawa operate in remote locations where access to newspapers, television and other media platforms is limited, making formal military communication essential for effective implementation.
It further recommended that the directive be incorporated into operational briefings and field instructions to provide troops with clear Rules of Engagement and eliminate any uncertainty while conducting counter-terrorism operations.
HURIWA said its concerns were informed by previous experiences where public policy announcements failed to translate into action on the ground.
The group cited an earlier directive by the Defence Minister ordering the withdrawal of military personnel from roadblocks nationwide, arguing that the order has yet to be fully implemented, with military checkpoints still visible in several parts of the country, particularly in the South-East.
According to the association, the situation underscores the importance of ensuring that policy pronouncements are backed by formal operational directives and monitored through the military command structure.
HURIWA therefore called on the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs to ensure the shoot-on-sight directive is immediately incorporated into operational orders for all formations involved in the fight against terrorism.
The organisation also urged the Federal Government to complement the directive by providing troops with modern equipment, actionable intelligence, improved welfare and sustained political support to enhance the effectiveness of ongoing military operations.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, HURIWA said it would continue to support lawful initiatives aimed at defeating terrorism, protecting innocent lives and preserving Nigeria’s sovereignty, while urging the Defence Minister to ensure that the directive becomes an enforceable operational order rather than merely a public declaration.