The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has said that any security officer that fails to neutralise criminals under the excuse of waiting for orders would be treated as collaborating with them.
The remark was reported to have been made by Musa on Wednesday in Sokoto State during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state.
Musa told the security personnel not to hesitate in confronting the armed bandits and terrorists.
Musa, while lauding Governor Ahmed Aliyu for always supporting security agencies with logistics and operational equipment, described the intervention as a demonstration of strategic leadership.
He said: “Once you are deployed, don’t wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist.
“Whoever refuses to shoot or kill any bandit or terrorist in the name of waiting for an order, we will treat you like a bandit.
“It’s not just the unveiling of security assets in this event. It is a demonstration of strategic leadership, responsible governance and our collective resolve to strengthen the security architecture of Sokoto State and Nigeria as a whole.”
The Minister also said the newly commissioned armored vehicles and tactical equipment would enhance operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
He also warned security personnel against neglecting the newly acquired assets, Musa added.
Musa advised the security personnel to be professional but to also remember to protect innocent citizens even as they take the fight to the criminals.
“This equipment cost billions of naira,” he added. We don’t want to give them over and then you throw them away or mishandle them. They must be used for the purpose for which they were purchased.
Thou shalt not go and exact or vex the people. You are there to protect them and work with them to eliminate bandits and terrorists in your area.”
