Defence Minister Christopher Musa TO TROOPS: “Don’t Wait for Orders But Shoot Terrorists Immediately”
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has directed troops engaged in counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations not to wait for orders before engaging terrorists and bandits, warning that any operative who hesitates to confront armed criminals would be treated as an accomplice.
The directive was conveyed by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff during the commissioning of security assets procured by the Sokoto State Government on Wednesday.
Speaking on behalf of General Musa, the minister said troops engaged in counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations must take decisive action against terrorists and bandits whenever they are encountered.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa
“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 is a general order,” the defence chief said.
The directive came as the Sokoto State Government unveiled a ₦27.6 billion security intervention package comprising armoured personnel carriers, tactical vehicles and 300 motorcycles to strengthen security operations against banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu described the procurement as one of the largest security investments undertaken by the state government, saying the intervention was designed to improve the operational capacity of security agencies, particularly in border communities and rural areas affected by persistent attacks.
According to the governor, the newly acquired armoured vehicles and motorcycles will enhance rapid response, intelligence gathering, surveillance and troop mobility, stressing that security remains the foundation for sustainable development, economic growth and agricultural productivity.
Aliyu commended Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their continued support in tackling insecurity, while pledging that his administration would continue investing in initiatives that complement the Federal Government’s efforts to restore peace across the state.
He also inaugurated a major road in the Sokoto metropolis and named it General Christopher Musa Road in honour of the Chief of Defence Staff.
Responding, General Musa praised the Sokoto State Government for prioritising security, describing the ₦27.6 billion investment as a demonstration of visionary leadership and commitment to protecting lives and property.
He said defeating insecurity requires sustained collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, local authorities and security agencies.
The defence chief also urged residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that community participation remains vital to addressing emerging security threats and strengthening ongoing military operations across Sokoto State and the wider North-West region.