"Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist," the minister declared during the event.
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Nigeria's Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa, has ordered security forces in Sokoto State to shoot bandits and terrorists on sight, warning them that hesitation will be treated as collusion with the enemy. The minister made the charge while commissioning 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to boost the fight against insecurity.
Musa described the gesture as a clear demonstration of strategic leadership and responsible governance. The new armoured vehicles and tactical gear, he said, would enhance operational mobility, intelligence gathering, and force protection in the battle against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.
The minister, however, warned personnel against mishandling the expensive assets. He charged the officers to remain professional and protect innocent citizens rather than harass them.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the latest procurement forms part of his administration's sustained investment in security since taking office. He listed the items as including bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers, 320 motorcycles, 3,200 security gadgets, 2,000 bulletproof helmets and vests, 200 night-vision goggles, thermal devices, and other tactical equipment.
The Sokoto State Government had previously spent over ₦36 billion on security, covering operational vehicles, motorcycles, military and police barracks, the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, and support for the Nigerian Air Force Base.
Musa identified himself as a proud son of Sokoto, noting that the state has remained one of the most peaceful in the country thanks to strong collaboration between the government, security agencies, and local communities.
The Defence Minister warned that the equipment costs billions of naira and must serve the purpose for which they were procured. He instructed the officers to protect innocent citizens rather than harass them, adding that they are there to work with the people to eliminate bandits and terrorists operating within their area.
The Sokoto State Government has forwarded a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking stiffer penalties for informants who aid bandits. The governor also announced the approval of a Command and Control Centre to improve surveillance and coordination of security operations.
The Sokoto State Government is distributing 62 vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion to boost the fight against insecurity. The equipment, which includes bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers, 320 motorcycles, and other tactical gear, will enhance operational mobility, intelligence gathering, and force protection.
Musa said that the Sokoto State has remained one of the most peaceful in the country thanks to strong collaboration between the government, security agencies, and local communities. He added that the collaboration has led to the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and support for the Nigerian Air Force Base.
The new equipment is expected to improve the security situation in the state and enhance the capacity of the security forces to respond to emerging threats.
Musa warned that personnel who mishandle the equipment or fail to carry out their duties will be treated as bandits. He added that the officers are expected to remain professional and protect innocent citizens rather than harass them.
The Sokoto State Government has a reputation for investing heavily in security infrastructure and personnel. This latest procurement is a demonstration of the government's commitment to improving the security situation in the state.
The Sokoto State Government has a history of investing in security infrastructure and personnel. The latest procurement is part of the government's sustained investment in security since taking office.
Musa identified himself as a proud son of Sokoto, noting that the state has remained one of the most peaceful in the country thanks to strong collaboration between the government, security agencies, and local communities.