Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has warned members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies against delaying action against bandits and terrorists, declaring that any officer who hesitates to engage criminals while waiting for orders would be treated as an accomplice.
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 the country’s security architecture.
Addressing security personnel, Musa said troops deployed to operational areas have a responsibility to confront criminal elements immediately without waiting for further directives.
“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.
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The former Chief of Defence Staff stressed that the weapons and equipment provided to security agencies were procured with public funds and must be used effectively to protect 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 noted.
The minister, however, noted that military hardware alone cannot guarantee lasting peace, emphasising that professionalism, discipline, intelligence-led operations and effective coordination among security agencies remain essential to defeating insecurity.
He also called for greater collaboration between security agencies and local communities, saying intelligence provided by residents is critical because criminal groups often operate within communities.
According to him, lasting security requires the support of traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and the public, adding that criminals are denied the opportunity to thrive when citizens and security institutions work together.
General Musa further urged security agencies to maintain the newly distributed armoured vehicles, noting that they cost billions of naira and were acquired at significant 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 maintained.
Reassuring residents of Sokoto State and Nigerians at large, the minister said the Federal Government remained committed to securing every part of the country through improved welfare for security personnel, enhanced intelligence gathering, investment in modern technology, stronger inter-agency cooperation and the provision of adequate operational resources.