Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa ordered troops to decisively engage bandits as Sokoto State unveiled 62 armoured vehicles and 300 motorcycles worth ₦2.7 billion to strengthen security operations
Defence Minister Orders Troops to Eliminate Bandits, Unveils ₦2.7bn Security Assets in Sokoto
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, on Wednesday directed security personnel to decisively engage armed bandits threatening lives and property, declaring that troops should not hesitate to neutralise criminals during operations.
The minister gave the directive in Sokoto while inaugurating 62 armoured vehicles and 300 motorcycles valued at ₦2.7 billion, donated by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies combating banditry and other violent crimes.
Commending Governor Ahmed Aliyu for supporting ongoing security operations, Musa described the donation as a major boost to the Federal Government’s efforts to restore peace across the state and the wider North-West. He also praised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for facilitating the procurement of the armoured vehicles.
The minister, however, stressed that security equipment alone would not end insecurity, urging security agencies and residents to strengthen intelligence sharing and collaboration to defeat criminal groups.
He also charged frontline personnel to deploy the newly acquired assets effectively and ensure proper maintenance, noting that substantial public resources had been invested in improving the country’s security architecture.
“Once you are deployed, engage and neutralise any bandit threatening innocent lives. Do not wait for further directives. This is a standing operational order. We must crush these bandits,” he said.
Governor Aliyu said the donation of the vehicles, motorcycles and other security equipment was aimed at improving the operational effectiveness of security agencies and enhancing the protection of lives and property across Sokoto State.
Describing security as the foundation of sustainable development, the governor said insecurity had remained one of the biggest challenges confronting Sokoto and the North-West region.
According to him, his administration has provided security agencies with support worth more than ₦36 billion since assuming office, including over 200 operational vehicles and 280 motorcycles.
Aliyu added that the state had increased allowances for frontline security personnel, constructed a Mobile Police barracks in Sabon Birni, established the Sokoto Security Guards equipped with 40 vehicles and 700 motorcycles, and built 25 housing units for security personnel in Konnawa.
He commended security agencies for their continued partnership with the state government, insisting that tackling insecurity requires collective responsibility.
The governor also disclosed that his administration had forwarded a bill to the Sokoto State House of Assembly seeking to classify anyone who provides information or logistical support to bandits as bandits. He said he would sign the legislation into law once it is passed by the Assembly.
Aliyu further announced the donation of 10 Hilux vehicles to the Ministry of Works to support construction activities on the Sokoto–Badagry Highway.
