The Minister of Defense, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has issued a stern warning to troops battling terrorism and banditry, declaring that any security operative who hesitates to engage terrorists while waiting for orders would be regarded as a terrorist.
Musa delivered the warning on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, during the commissioning of 62 armored vehicles and more than 300 motorcycles procured by the Sokoto State Government for security agencies.
“Anybody who refuses to shoot a terrorist in the name of waiting for an order, we will treat him like a bandit,” the minister said, urging troops to act swiftly and decisively within the established rules of engagement.
He also warned security personnel against harassing, intimidating or extorting members of the public, stressing that their responsibility was to protect innocent citizens, not prey on them.
Calling for greater professionalism, discipline and accountability, Musa said public trust remained critical to the success of security operations.
The Defense Minister described the newly acquired security assets as a significant boost to Sokoto State’s fight against banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes, noting that the vehicles and motorcycles would improve the mobility and operational efficiency of security agencies.
He said Nigeria’s security threats were constantly evolving, with terrorists and criminal gangs adopting new tactics and exploiting difficult terrain, and insisted that security forces must stay ahead through enhanced mobility, intelligence-driven operations, and stronger inter-agency coordination.
