Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has issued one of his strongest warnings yet to security personnel battling insecurity across the country, declaring that any operative who refuses to engage armed bandits or terrorists while claiming to be “waiting for orders” would be regarded as collaborating with criminals.
The Defence Minister delivered the stern message on Wednesday in Sokoto State during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and other security equipment valued at ₦27.127 billion, acquired by the Sokoto State Government to boost security operations across the state.
Addressing military and other security personnel at the event, Musa urged officers deployed to conflict zones to act decisively against armed criminals without unnecessary hesitation.
According to him, the nation’s security forces have a duty to confront terrorists and bandits immediately once they are identified, stressing that delays could embolden criminal elements and endanger innocent lives.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist.
“Anybody who refuses to shoot or kill any bandit or terrorist in the name of waiting for an order, we will treat you like a bandit,” the Defence Minister declared.
General Musa also praised Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, for investing heavily in strengthening the state’s security architecture through the procurement of operational vehicles and tactical equipment.
He described the intervention as a clear demonstration of visionary leadership and responsible governance, noting that effective security requires sustained collaboration between federal and state authorities.
According to him, the newly commissioned assets would significantly enhance troop mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection as security agencies intensify operations against bandits, terrorists and kidnappers across the state.
“This event is not merely the unveiling of security assets. It is a demonstration of strategic leadership, responsible governance and our collective determination to strengthen the security architecture of Sokoto State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
While charging security personnel to make effective use of the newly acquired equipment, the Defence Minister warned against negligence and misuse of government assets.
He stressed that the billions of naira invested in the vehicles and tactical hardware must translate into improved security outcomes rather than waste or poor maintenance.
Musa also reminded officers that their primary responsibility is to protect law-abiding citizens, urging them to maintain professionalism and avoid intimidation, extortion or harassment during operations.
“This equipment costs billions of naira. We don’t want to hand them over and then you throw them away or mishandle them. They must serve the purpose for which they were procured.
“You are not to go there and extort or harass the people. You are there to protect them and work with them to eliminate bandits and terrorists operating within your area,” he added.
The minister’s remarks come as security agencies continue to intensify operations against armed groups across several parts of Northern Nigeria, where attacks by bandits, terrorists and kidnappers remain a major security challenge.
