Defence Minister issues directive to troops

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, on Wednesday directed personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces to decisively engage and neutralise terrorists on sight, declaring that troops should no longer wait for further directives before confronting criminal elements threatening the nation's security.

Musa gave the directive during the inauguration of security assets worth ₦27.6 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen ongoing operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the North-West.

Addressing military personnel and other security operatives at the event held at the Giginya Memorial Stadium, the Defence Minister said the Federal Government remained committed to ending terrorism and restoring lasting peace across troubled parts of the country.

He stressed that the Armed Forces had been given a clear mandate to take the battle directly to terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups, insisting that there would be no hiding place for enemies of the state.

Federal Government stance on insecurity

According to him, troops operating in conflict zones have sufficient authority to engage hostile elements without waiting for additional approvals from higher authorities.

The Armed Forces must remain aggressive and proactive. Terrorists who threaten the lives of innocent Nigerians should be confronted immediately. Our troops do not need to wait for any further directive before taking necessary action against terrorists encountered in the course of operations,

— Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence, Federal Government of Nigeria

The minister said the Federal Government remained committed to backing security operations aimed at restoring order in areas affected by violent attacks and criminal activity.

He also commended the Sokoto State Government for what he described as one of the largest security investments by a sub-national government in recent years, noting that the procurement reflected strong political will and commitment to protecting lives and property.

Sokoto unveils ₦27.6bn security assets

The security package comprises sophisticated armoured personnel carriers, tactical combat vehicles, operational equipment and 300 motorcycles distributed to security agencies operating across the state.

Musa expressed confidence that the newly acquired assets would significantly enhance intelligence gathering, rapid response operations and joint security patrols across vulnerable communities in Sokoto and neighbouring states affected by insecurity.

Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto said the procurement formed part of his administration's comprehensive strategy to strengthen the capacity of security agencies and safeguard lives, property and economic activities across the state.

According to the governor, the ₦27.6 billion investment is aimed at improving the operational capabilities of the military, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, intelligence services and other security formations engaged in combating terrorism and banditry.

Governor links security to development

Aliyu reiterated that security remained the cornerstone of his administration's development agenda, stressing that sustainable economic growth and social progress could only thrive in a peaceful and secure environment.

He disclosed that the state government had consistently provided logistics support, operational vehicles, communication equipment and welfare assistance to security agencies in recognition of their sacrifices in protecting residents.

The governor also assured residents that his administration would sustain collaboration with the Federal Government, the Armed Forces and other critical stakeholders to eliminate criminal elements and reclaim communities threatened by insecurity.

The event was attended by top military commanders, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, political leaders, members of the National Assembly and Sokoto State House of Assembly, as well as representatives of community-based organisations and development partners.

Broader significance of the event

The inauguration of the security assets marked a major development in Sokoto State's support for security operations in the North-West.

The combination of new equipment and the minister's operational directive underscored the push to strengthen military and inter-agency responses to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the region.

Observers described the inauguration of the security assets and the Defence Minister's directive as a significant boost to ongoing military operations aimed at tackling terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes in the North-West region.