The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has directed security personnel to take immediate action against armed bandits and terrorists, warning that any operative who refuses to engage criminals while claiming to be waiting for orders would be regarded as working with them.
DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS reports that the minister issued the directive on Wednesday during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment valued at ₦27.127 billion, procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state.
Addressing security operatives, the minister stressed that troops deployed to operational areas must act decisively against criminal elements without waiting for additional directives.
"Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist," he said.
He further warned that any officer who failed to neutralise terrorists or bandits under the excuse of awaiting instructions would be treated as a collaborator.
The minister described the Sokoto State Government's investment in security as a clear demonstration of strategic leadership and responsible governance, commending Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for consistently providing logistics and operational support to security agencies.
According to him, the unveiling of the security assets reflects a collective commitment to strengthening the security architecture of both Sokoto State and the nation.
The minister, who described himself as a proud son of Sokoto, noted that the state has remained among the more peaceful parts of the country due to the cooperation between the government, security agencies and residents.
He said the newly commissioned armoured vehicles and tactical equipment would significantly improve operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
The minister also cautioned security personnel against mishandling or neglecting the newly acquired equipment, stressing that the assets, which cost billions of naira, must be properly maintained and utilised for the purposes for which they were purchased.
He further reminded officers to remain professional in the discharge of their duties by protecting innocent residents while taking firm action against criminal elements.
According to him, security operatives are expected to work closely with local communities to eliminate terrorists and bandits rather than intimidate or extort law-abiding citizens.
Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu disclosed that the latest procurement forms part of his administration's sustained investment in improving security since assuming office.
He revealed that the state government acquired bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 320 motorcycles, 3,200 security gadgets, 2,000 bulletproof helmets and protective vests, 200 night-vision goggles, thermal imaging devices and other tactical equipment.
The governor said a total of 62 operational vehicles and the security equipment commissioned cost the state government ₦27.127 billion.
Aliyu also disclosed that his administration had previously invested more than ₦36 billion in security initiatives, including the purchase 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 in the state.
He further announced that his administration had forwarded a bill to the Sokoto State House of Assembly seeking tougher penalties for informants who assist bandits.
According to the governor, the proposed legislation is currently before the Assembly, and it will receive immediate assent once passed.
Aliyu also disclosed that the government had approved the establishment of a Command and Control Centre to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordination of security operations across the state.
He appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence, emphasising that overcoming insecurity requires the active participation of all citizens.
The governor maintained that security remains a shared responsibility and expressed confidence that through collective efforts, the state would overcome the challenges posed by banditry and other criminal activities.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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