Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday ordered security agencies to shoot anyone carrying an AK-47 rifle.
This was announced by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, during an interview with the BBC Hausa.
The president also directed the suppression of bandits who refused to surrender.
“The president has ordered security forces to go into the bushes and shoot whoever they see with sophisticated weapons like AK-47,” Shehu said.
Bandits have been terrorizing Northwestern states in recent years. The outlaws engage in murders and kidnap for ransom.
In February, Halilu Sububu, a bandit leader, said daily attacks were caused by a breach of the agreement.
The leader of the bandit also asked the President to personally visit them for talks.