The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has ordered security personnel who are involved in counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations, not to hesitate in confronting armed criminals.
Musa warned that any operative who fails to act under the guise of awaiting orders would be treated as aiding the enemy.
Speaking in Sokoto on Wednesday, during the commissioning of security assets procured by the Sokoto State Government, the minister stressed that troops must take decisive action against terrorists and bandits whenever the situation demands.
“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” he 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 comprising armoured personnel carriers, tactical vehicles and 300 motorcycles to strengthen security operations across the state.