SOKOTO, NIGERIA — Nigeria‘s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), directed security personnel on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 to immediately engage armed bandits and terrorists without waiting for external orders. Okay News reports that General Christopher Musa issued the directive in Sokoto State during the commissioning of 62 operational vehicles and security equipment procured by the Sokoto State Government for ₦27.127 billion (approximately $16.4 million USD).
General Christopher Musa stated that operatives who fail to neutralize criminals while awaiting authorization will face disciplinary action. “Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” he said. He further added, “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.”
The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, confirmed that the latest investment includes bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers, 320 motorcycles, and 3,200 security gadgets, alongside helmets, vests, and night-vision equipment. Ahmed Aliyu noted that the state has previously invested over ₦36 billion (approximately $21.8 million USD) in security interventions including the formation of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps.
The state government has also submitted a bill to the Sokoto State House of Assembly to increase penalties for informants who assist criminal groups. Ahmed Aliyu stated that the government has approved a new Command and Control Centre to improve surveillance and regional coordination for security forces.
General Christopher Musa urged personnel to maintain professionalism and avoid harassing civilians while utilizing the new assets. He said, “You are not to go there and extort or harass the people. You are there to protect them and work with them to eliminate bandits and terrorists operating within your area.”
