By Samuel Akpan
Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa has issued a shoot-on-sight order against armed bandits and terrorists in Sokoto State.
Warning troops that hesitation will be treated as collusion with the enemy, Musa instructed security forces to eliminate threats immediately without waiting for further clearance.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” the minister declared during the event.
“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.”
Musa made the charge on Wednesday while commissioning 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to boost the fight against insecurity.
He described the gesture as a clear demonstration of strategic leadership and responsible governance.
“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.
Identifying himself as a proud son of Sokoto, Musa noted that the state has remained one of the most peaceful in the country thanks to strong collaboration between the government, security agencies and local communities.
He said the new armoured vehicles and tactical gear would enhance operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the battle against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
The minister, however, warned personnel against mishandling the expensive assets.
“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.”
He also charged the officers to remain professional and protect innocent citizens rather than harass them.
“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,” Musa added.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the latest procurement forms part of his administration’s sustained investment in security since taking office.
He listed the items as including 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.
“In all, we are distributing 62 vehicles and the security equipment highlighted above. These vehicles and security equipment cost the Sokoto State Government ₦27.127 billion,” the governor said.
Aliyu disclosed that the state had previously spent over ₦36 billion on security, covering operational vehicles, motorcycles, military and police barracks, the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and support for the Nigerian Air Force Base.
He also revealed that his administration has forwarded a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking stiffer penalties for informants who aid bandits.
“The bill is currently before the State House of Assembly and once it is passed, we will sign it without any further delay,” he said.
The governor announced the approval of a Command and Control Centre to improve surveillance and coordination of security operations.
He appealed to residents to continue providing credible intelligence, describing security as a shared responsibility.
“Security is a collective responsibility and together we shall overcome every security challenge confronting our state,” Aliyu said.
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