Shoot Terrorists On Sight,” Defence Minister Orders Troops At Security Vehicle Commissioning
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), on Wednesday commissioned 62 operational vehicles, 320 motorcycles, and a suite of high-tech security hardware valued at ₦27.6 billion. Procured entirely by the Sokoto State Government , this massive investment aims to drastically strengthen the ongoing fight against deep-seated insecurity, improve tactical operational mobility, and consolidate long-term peace across the frontline communities of the state.
The newly deployed arsenal includes high-grade Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), bullet-resistant vehicles, bulletproof helmets, and ballistic vests to protect troops. To aggressively enhance intelligence gathering and counter violent crimes like banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping, the state also equipped security agencies with advanced tactical gear, including night-vision devices and thermal imaging equipment.
Addressing security personnel, Musa said troops deployed to operational areas have a responsibility to confront criminal elements immediately without waiting for further directives.
“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.
“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,” General Musa noted.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at Giginya Memorial Stadium, Governor Ahmed Aliyu highlighted that Sokoto State's geographic proximity to Zamfara, Katsina, and the Republic of Niger heavily exposes its borders to persistent security breaches. He noted that communities along the state's eastern corridor have borne the brunt of these vulnerabilities, facing relentless threats from cross-border criminals.
This precarious reality informed his administration's decisive strategy to prioritize the security sector immediately upon taking office. By providing robust tactical and logistical support, the government aims to empower security agencies to effectively dismantle banditry, kidnapping, and other violent criminal activities disrupting the peace of the state.
Reflecting on his administration's consistent track record, Governor Aliyu recalled that this latest intervention builds upon initial security investments. Immediately after assuming office, his administration procured and distributed over 200 high-performance patrol vehicles and more than 250 motorcycles to various security formations across Sokoto to boost their initial operational capacity.
He added that the government also restored and increased monthly allowances for security personnel serving in frontline communities and established the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, which has been equipped with 40 Hilux operational vehicles and 700 motorcycles.
He further stated that his administration constructed military barracks in Illela and a Mobile Police Barracks in Tangaza Local Government Area, operationalised the Nigerian Air Force Base in Sokoto, enhanced the communication and surveillance capabilities of the Department of State Services (DSS), and provided housing units for security personnel as part of efforts to improve welfare and operational efficiency.
The governor also disclosed that the state government supplied operational vehicles to the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Air Force, donated motorcycles to the Department of State Services, procured Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers and BMW R1250 GS Adventure motorcycles, and facilitated the establishment of additional Forward Operating Bases in Kagara, Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas to strengthen rapid response to security threats.
The governor disclosed that the first batch of Forest Guards recruited under the Federal Government initiative had successfully completed training and had been deployed across the state, while expressing optimism that the second phase of recruitment would further strengthen surveillance in forests and rural communities.
Governor Aliyu expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to Sokoto State and commended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, for honouring the state’s invitation despite his demanding national assignment.