Defence Minister Christopher Musa says security personnel do not need to wait for an order before engaging armed bandits or terrorists.

Mr Musa made the remark on Wednesday during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth N27.1 billion procured by the Sokoto government to strengthen security operations across the state.

“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” the minister declared.

“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.”

He commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for consistently supporting security agencies with logistics and operational equipment, describing the intervention as a demonstration of strategic leadership.

“This event is not merely the unveiling of security assets. It is a demonstration of strategic leadership, responsible governance, and our collective determination to strengthen the security architecture of Sokoto State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.

Mr Musa said Sokoto had remained one of the most peaceful states in the country due to the collaboration among the government, security agencies, and residents.

He said the newly commissioned armoured vehicles and tactical equipment would enhance operational mobility, intelligence gathering, and force protection in the fight against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.

The minister also warned security personnel against mishandling the newly acquired assets.

“This equipment costs billions of naira. We don’t want to hand them over, and then you throw them away or mishandle them. They must serve the purpose for which they were procured,” he said, urging officers to protect innocent citizens while taking decisive action against criminals.

“You are not to go there and extort or harass the people. You are there to protect them and work with them to eliminate bandits and terrorists operating within your area,” he added.

Mr Aliyu said the intervention formed part of his administration’s sustained investment in security since assuming office.

He said the state government had procured bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 320 motorcycles, 3,200 security gadgets, 2,000 bulletproof helmets and vests, 200 night-vision goggles, thermal devices and other tactical equipment.

“In all, we are distributing 62 vehicles and the security equipment highlighted above. These vehicles and security equipment cost the Sokoto State Government ₦27.127 billion,” the governor said.

Mr Aliyu also said the state had previously spent more than ₦36 billion on security interventions, including the procurement of operational vehicles and motorcycles, the construction of military and police barracks, the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and support for the Nigerian Air Force Base.

“The bill is currently before the State House of Assembly, and once it is passed, we will sign it without any further delay,” he said.

He added that his government had approved the establishment of a command and control centre to improve surveillance and coordination of security operations across the state.

The governor urged residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that defeating banditry requires a collective effort.

“Security is a collective responsibility, and together we shall overcome every security challenge confronting our state,” he said.