The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has declared that any security operative who fails to neutralise criminals under the excuse of awaiting orders would be treated as collaborating with them.
Naijaonpoint reports that Musa made this remark on Wednesday in Sokoto State while commissioning 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state.
Musa directed security personnel not to hesitate in confronting armed bandits and terrorists.
While praising Governor Ahmed Aliyu for consistently supporting security agencies with logistics and operational equipment, Musa described the intervention as a demonstration of strategic leadership.
He said, “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.
“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.”
The Minister also noted that the newly commissioned armoured vehicles and tactical equipment would improve operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
Musa further cautioned security personnel against neglecting the newly acquired assets.
While urging officers to remain professional, Musa reminded the security personnel to protect innocent citizens as they take decisive action against criminals.
He added, “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.”
