Nigeria: ‘Shoot terrorists on sight, don’t wait for orders’ — Defence minister tells troops

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

SOKOTO — The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), on Thursday ordered troops engaged in counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations to take immediate action against armed criminals, warning that hesitation would no longer be tolerated.

Speaking in Sokoto during the commissioning of security assets procured by the state government, the minister issued what he described as a “general order” to security personnel across the country.

“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” Gen. Musa said.  

“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 is a general order.”

The directive came as the Sokoto State Government unveiled a N27.6 billion security intervention package aimed at strengthening the fight against banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The equipment, commissioned at Giginya Memorial Stadium by the defence minister, includes armoured personnel carriers, tactical vehicles and 300 motorcycles. Senior military officers, security chiefs, traditional rulers and government officials attended the ceremony.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu described the procurement as one of the largest security investments in the state’s history. He said it was designed to enhance the operational capacity of security agencies, particularly in border communities and rural areas that have been heavily affected by insecurity.

“Security remains the foundation for sustainable development,” Governor Aliyu said. “Economic growth, agriculture and social progress cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and instability.”

According to the governor, the new armoured vehicles and motorcycles will improve rapid response, intelligence gathering, surveillance and troop mobility, especially in difficult terrains.

Governor Aliyu thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their continued support in combating insecurity. He pledged that Sokoto would sustain investments that complement federal efforts.

In recognition of his contributions to national security, the state government also inaugurated a major road in Sokoto metropolis and named it General Christopher Musa Road.

Responding, Gen. Musa commended the Sokoto government for prioritizing security. He described the investment as “visionary leadership and a demonstration of commitment to public safety.”

The defence minister stressed that winning the war against insecurity requires collaboration at all levels.  

“The fight against insecurity requires the federal, state and local governments to work together, with active support from citizens,” he said.

He noted that the newly commissioned assets would boost the morale of troops deployed across Sokoto and the wider North-West region, which has faced persistent attacks by bandits and terrorists.

Gen. Musa also urged residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies. He said community participation remains critical to identifying and neutralizing criminal networks.

“Our people know who the criminals are. When you see something, say something,” he said. “Without your cooperation, it becomes harder for us to succeed.”

The minister assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain committed to eliminating criminal elements and restoring lasting peace. He said the military, police and other agencies would sustain pressure on terrorists until they are degraded.

The ceremony ended with the inspection and symbolic handover of the security assets to relevant agencies. Participants described the intervention as a major boost to Sokoto’s security architecture and to the broader national campaign against insecurity.

Insecurity in the North-West has remained a major concern, with banditry, kidnapping and attacks on rural communities disrupting farming, trade and schooling. The federal government has ramped up military operations in the region in recent months, with state governments also investing in equipment and local security structures.

Gen. Musa’s “shoot-on-sight” directive signals a tougher operational posture for troops on the frontlines. It places responsibility directly on field commanders and soldiers to act decisively when confronted by armed criminals, without waiting for clearance from higher authorities.

Security analysts say the success of the new approach will depend on logistics, intelligence, rules of engagement, and protection of civilians. They also note that equipment alone will not end insecurity without sustained coordination and community trust.

For now, Sokoto’s N27.6 billion investment and the defence minister’s firm directive mark a clear escalation in efforts to reclaim territory from bandits and restore confidence in affected communities.