Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has directed security personnel to immediately engage and neutralise terrorists, bandits and other armed non-state actors without waiting for further orders while on operations.
The minister gave the directive on Monday in Sokoto during the distribution of 62 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and motorcycles donated by the Sokoto State Government to security agencies.
According to Musa, troops deployed to operational theatres have the authority and responsibility to carry out their duties decisively.
"You are deployed and responsible for carrying out your duties and nothing short of what is expected of you while on the field of operations.
"No operative on the field should hesitate to go by this renewed order. Any operative who fails under the pretext of not receiving an order will be treated as a bandit," he said.
The armoured vehicles, branded "Operation Lete Ta'addanci," were donated by the Sokoto State Government to mark the third anniversary of Governor Ahmed Aliyu's administration.
While urging troops to act decisively against criminal elements, the minister cautioned them against harassing civilians.
"Do not harass the community but ensure their protection during operations," he said.
Musa reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening national security and commended the Sokoto State Government for supporting security agencies with operational equipment.
He said the new assets must be deployed with discipline, intelligence and professionalism to improve security across the state.
According to the minister, stronger collaboration among security agencies, backed by modern equipment, would deny terrorists and bandits the opportunity to operate freely.
Also speaking, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who was represented by a director in his office, Solomon Ayinola, commended the Sokoto State Government for its efforts to improve security.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the vehicles and motorcycles, valued at ₦27.6 billion, would strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance and operational response across the state.
He said the equipment would help security agencies identify flashpoints and improve operations against criminal groups.
The governor described the security challenges facing the North-West as unacceptable and said his administration had also established community guards to complement conventional security forces.
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