Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd), has issued a firm directive to security agencies to eliminate terrorists and bandits on sight, declaring that the nation’s security challenges will soon become a thing of the past.
The Minister gave the charge on Wednesday in Sokoto during the commissioning of 62 armoured vehicles and 320 motorcycles purchased by the state government at a cost of N27.7 billion to bolster security operations across the region.
General Musa, who described Sokoto as his home state, stressed that the logistical intervention would significantly enhance the operational capabilities and morale of security forces. He urged governors and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the gesture by providing similar support to security agencies in their respective states.
“This administration remains resolute in ensuring a safer environment for all,” the Minister stated, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with security listed as a top priority.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu, who presided over the commissioning, disclosed that the newly acquired assets would be deployed to flash points to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. He revealed that his administration had previously expended over N36.27 billion on similar interventions to strengthen the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
In a significant move to curb criminal intelligence networks, the Governor announced that a new law is being enacted by the Sokoto State House of Assembly to prescribe the same penalties for informants as for bandits.
“We are committed to protecting the lives and property of all law-abiding citizens,” Governor Aliyu said, adding that security remains the cornerstone of his 9-Point Smart Agenda.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, commended the Governor’s relentless efforts in safeguarding the lives and property of the people.