The Federal Government has intensified its campaign against insecurity, with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), directing troops and other security personnel to take immediate action against bandits and terrorists whenever they encounter them in the line of duty.
The minister stressed that security operatives must no longer delay operations while waiting for fresh approval from superior officers.
General Musa gave the directive during the commissioning of newly acquired security vehicles and operational equipment by the Sokoto State Government. Addressing military personnel and other security agencies, he declared that every officer deployed to a conflict zone already has the authority and responsibility to confront criminal elements threatening lives and property.
According to the minister, any security operative who hesitates to engage terrorists or armed bandits under the excuse of waiting for orders would be regarded as aiding criminal elements. He maintained that troops are expected to act swiftly and professionally whenever they come under attack or identify terrorists in the course of operations.
General Musa explained that the Federal Government has invested heavily in strengthening the operational capacity of the armed forces and other security agencies through improved equipment, logistics and intelligence support. He noted that these investments are intended to help security personnel respond more effectively to the growing threats posed by terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.
The minister also commissioned 62 operational vehicles, including armoured personnel carriers and other tactical assets procured by the Sokoto State Government at a cost exceeding ₦27 billion. He commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for supporting security agencies with modern equipment, describing the initiative as a significant contribution to ongoing efforts to restore peace in the state and the wider North-West region.
While urging troops to remain aggressive against criminal groups, General Musa reminded them that professionalism must remain central to every operation. He warned security personnel against harassing innocent civilians or misusing the equipment provided for their assignments, insisting that the primary objective is to protect communities and eliminate those responsible for violence.
He further emphasised that military hardware alone cannot end insecurity without discipline, effective intelligence gathering and cooperation among security agencies and local communities. According to him, public support remains vital in identifying criminal hideouts and preventing attacks before they occur.
The latest directive comes as Nigeria continues to battle persistent attacks by terrorists, armed bandits and kidnappers across several states, particularly in the North-West and North-East. Security operations have been intensified in recent months, with both federal and state governments investing more resources in intelligence, surveillance, mobility and rapid response capabilities to weaken criminal networks.
Analysts say the minister’s instruction reflects the government’s determination to encourage faster operational decisions by troops in the field. They believe that reducing delays in responding to security threats could improve the military’s ability to neutralise criminal groups before they launch attacks or escape from security operations.
The directive is also expected to reinforce ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry campaigns nationwide. With enhanced operational assets and renewed instructions from the nation’s defence leadership, security agencies are expected to sustain pressure on criminal groups while working to improve safety, restore public confidence and secure vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
