The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has directed troops involved in counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations to engage terrorists and bandits without waiting for further authorisation, warning that officers who fail to act will be treated as collaborators with criminals.
Speaking in Sokoto during the commissioning of security assets procured by the Sokoto State Government, Musa said personnel already deployed to operational areas must take decisive action whenever they encounter armed threats.
He stressed that any operative who refuses to shoot or eliminate terrorists or bandits under the excuse of awaiting orders would be regarded as aiding the enemy, describing the directive as a general order.
The statement came as the Sokoto State Government unveiled a ₦27.6 billion security intervention package, including armoured personnel carriers, tactical vehicles and 300 motorcycles, aimed at strengthening security operations and improving the fight against terrorism and banditry across the state.
