Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has issued a fierce warning to the Armed Forces and security agencies, stating that any officer who hesitates to engage terrorists or bandits while waiting for commands will be treated as an accomplice.
The minister delivered this blunt directive on Wednesday during the distribution of new armoured vehicles in Sokoto State. The event highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening national security and intensifying operations against criminal elements.
Addressing the gathered security personnel, General Musa made it clear that troops on the frontline have an immediate obligation to confront threats without waiting for a green light from higher-ups.
“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 warned.
General Musa emphasized that the weaponry, armoured vehicles, and operational gear provided to the forces were funded by taxpayers and must be used effectively to protect the public.
“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,” the minister stated.
However, the Defence Minister noted that advanced hardware alone is not a silver bullet for lasting peace.
He explained that overcoming the nation’s security challenges requires absolute professionalism, deep discipline, intelligence-driven operations, and seamless coordination across all security branches.
He further stressed the necessity of a united front between the military and local communities. Because criminals often blend into society, intelligence provided by residents is vital.
General Musa noted that sustainable peace depends heavily on the active cooperation of traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, and everyday citizens. When communities and security forces lock arms, he added, criminals will find it nearly impossible to operate.
The minister also demanded strict accountability regarding the care of the newly assigned armoured vehicles, classifying them as high-value national assets bought at a massive 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 said.
Reassuring the people of Sokoto State and the wider Nigerian public, General Musa restated the Federal Government’s resolve to reclaim peace across every corner of the nation.
He pledged that the government will continue to fortify the security landscape by improving personnel welfare, sharpening intelligence gathering, investing in cutting-edge technology, fostering inter-agency teamwork, and supplying robust operational resources.
