The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has directed members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to take immediate action against bandits and terrorists, warning that any officer who delays operations while waiting for orders will be treated as an accomplice.
Speaking on Wednesday during the distribution of armoured vehicles to security agencies in Sokoto State, the minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and improving the operational capacity of security forces.
Addressing troops deployed to various operational theatres, Musa stressed that personnel have both the authority and responsibility to confront criminal elements without hesitation.
“I want to reiterate this to all members of the Armed Forces and Security Forces. Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist.
“I want to make that very loud and clear. Anybody who refuses to shoot or kill any bandit or terrorist in the name of his waiting for an order, we will treat you like a bandit,” he said.
The minister noted that the armoured vehicles and other operational equipment distributed to security agencies were procured with public funds and should be deployed effectively in protecting lives and property.
“The Federal Government, the state government, the local government, and indeed Nigerian taxpayers’ money is what is used to buy this equipment. They are bought so that you can take down anybody who is trying to cause mayhem wherever he is.
“So it is your responsibility to ensure that you take him down, not to allow him take you down,” he added.
Musa, however, emphasised that military hardware alone cannot end insecurity, stressing the importance of professionalism, discipline, intelligence-led operations and effective collaboration among security agencies.
He also called for stronger partnerships between security personnel and local communities, noting that timely intelligence from residents, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders remains vital in combating criminal activities.
According to him, lasting peace can only be achieved when citizens actively support security agencies by providing credible information that helps prevent attacks and dismantle criminal networks.
The Defence Minister further urged security agencies to properly maintain the newly distributed armoured vehicles, describing them as strategic national assets acquired at significant public expense.
“This equipment costs billions of naira that could have been used for other aspects, but have been dedicated to do this. I want to charge you that we must maintain this equipment very well.
“We will come after a year and see how this equipment is looking because we don’t want to hand them over and then you throw them away or mishandle them. They must serve the purpose they are brought in for,” he said.
Reassuring Nigerians of the Federal Government’s determination to restore peace across the country, Musa said the administration would continue to strengthen security operations through improved welfare for personnel, enhanced intelligence gathering, investment in modern technology, increased inter-agency cooperation and the provision of adequate operational resources.