SHOOT TERRORISTS WITHOUT DELAY, DEFENCE MINISTER TELLS SECURITY FORCES
Read Time:2 Minute, 16 Second
By; Sunmola Ganiyat
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has directed security personnel to take immediate action against terrorists and armed bandits, warning that any operative who delays engagement while waiting for orders would be regarded as collaborating with criminals.
Musa gave the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto State during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and other security equipment valued at ₦27.127 billion, procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” the minister said.
He warned that any security operative who refuses to confront armed criminals under the pretext of awaiting instructions would be treated as an accomplice.
The minister described the procurement of the vehicles and equipment as a demonstration of strategic leadership and commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his sustained support to security agencies through the provision of logistics and operational assets.
According to Musa, the newly commissioned armoured vehicles and tactical equipment will enhance operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
He, however, cautioned security personnel to properly maintain the equipment, stressing that the assets were acquired with public funds and must be used effectively for their intended purpose.
Musa also urged officers to remain professional in carrying out their duties, warning against extortion or harassment of innocent citizens.
“You are there to protect the people and work with them to eliminate bandits and terrorists operating within your area,” he said.
Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the latest security intervention was part of his administration’s continued investment in tackling insecurity across the state.
He disclosed that the government had procured bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 320 motorcycles, 3,200 security gadgets, 2,000 bulletproof helmets and vests, 200 night-vision goggles, thermal devices and other tactical equipment.
According to the governor, the newly distributed vehicles and equipment cost the state government ₦27.127 billion, while more than ₦36 billion has been spent on previous security interventions, including the construction of military and police barracks, the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and support for the Nigerian Air Force Base.
Aliyu further revealed that his administration had forwarded a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking stiffer penalties for informants aiding bandits, expressing optimism that it would be signed into law once passed.
He also announced plans to establish a Command and Control Centre to improve surveillance and coordination of security operations across Sokoto State.
The governor appealed to residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that defeating banditry requires the collective support of government, security agencies and the public.
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