Shoot Bandits Without Waiting for Orders or Be Treated Like One, Defence Minister Warns Troops

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has directed troops to open fire on bandits and terrorists immediately they come in contact with them, warning that any operative who hesitates while waiting for orders would be treated as a criminal.

Musa gave the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto during the inauguration of 62 operational vehicles and other security equipment valued at N27.1 billion, procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations.

Addressing military personnel, the minister said troops must act decisively against armed criminals without waiting for further authorisation.

“Once you’re deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” he said.

“I want to make that very loud and clear. Anybody who refuses to shoot or kill any bandit or terrorist in the name of waiting for an order, we will treat you like a bandit.”

Musa also urged personnel to properly maintain the newly acquired operational vehicles and equipment, describing them as a major investment in the country’s security.

“It is important for those that will handle this equipment. These equipment cost billions of naira that could have been used for other aspects but have been dedicated to this. So I want to charge you that you must maintain this equipment very well. We will come after a year to see how these equipment are doing,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army graduated more than 3,000 newly trained recruits from the Nigerian Army Training Depot, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, on Wednesday to bolster its manpower for ongoing counter-terrorism and internal security operations.

The development came less than two weeks after over 8,000 recruits completed training at the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo, Osun State.

At the passing-out parade, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu Nam, charged the new soldiers to remain disciplined, loyal and professional throughout their military careers.

In a statement issued by the Army spokesperson, Colonel Apollonia Anele, the army chief described the graduation as a significant addition to the force’s operational strength and said it aligned with the Federal Government’s efforts to improve national security and combat terrorism across the country.