MINISTER of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has issued a stern directive to members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, warning that any officer who delays engaging bandits or terrorists while waiting for orders would be treated as an accomplice.
News Point Nigeria reports that the minister gave the warning on Wednesday during the distribution of armoured vehicles to security agencies in Sokoto State, where he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and intensifying the fight against insecurity.
Addressing security personnel, General Musa declared that troops deployed to operational areas have a duty to confront criminal elements immediately without waiting for additional directives from superior officers.
“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 Defence Minister stressed that the weapons, armoured vehicles and other operational equipment provided to security agencies were procured with taxpayers’ money and must be deployed effectively to safeguard 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,” General Musa stated.
While emphasising the importance of military hardware, the minister noted that weapons alone cannot guarantee lasting peace and security across the country.
He said defeating insecurity requires professionalism, discipline, intelligence-driven operations and effective coordination among all security agencies.
General Musa also called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities, noting that intelligence supplied by residents remains vital because criminal elements often operate within communities.
According to him, sustainable security can only be achieved through the active support of traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and the general public.
He added that criminals would find it increasingly difficult to operate when citizens and security institutions work together.
The minister further charged security agencies to ensure proper maintenance of the newly distributed armoured vehicles, describing them as strategic national assets acquired at enormous 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 residents of Sokoto State and Nigerians generally, General Musa reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to securing every part of the country.
He said the government would continue to strengthen national security through improved welfare for security personnel, enhanced intelligence gathering, investment in modern technology, stronger inter-agency collaboration and the provision of adequate operational resources.