Defence Minister Commissions Security Vehicles, Orders Troops to Shoot Terrorists on Sight

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), on Wednesday commissioned 62 operational vehicles, 320 motorcycles and other high-tech security equipment valued at ₦27.6 billion, procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen the fight against insecurity and consolidate peace across the state. The security assets include operational vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), bullet-resistant […]

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), on Wednesday commissioned 62 operational vehicles, 320 motorcycles and other high-tech security equipment valued at ₦27.6 billion, procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen the fight against insecurity and consolidate peace across the state.

The security assets include operational vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), bullet-resistant vehicles, motorcycles, bulletproof helmets and vests, night-vision devices, thermal imaging equipment, security kits and other advanced tools designed to enhance intelligence gathering, improve operational mobility and strengthen the capacity of security agencies to combat banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

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, Sokoto, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the state’s proximity to Zamfara and Katsina states, as well as the Republic of Niger, has exposed parts of Sokoto, particularly communities in the eastern corridor, to persistent security threats.

He said this informed his administration’s decision to accord the security sector top priority immediately after assuming office by providing all necessary support to security agencies to effectively tackle banditry and other criminal activities.

Governor Aliyu recalled that upon assuming office, his administration procured and distributed more than 200 patrol vehicles and over 250 motorcycles to security agencies across the state.

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.