‘Don’t Wait for Orders, Shoot Bandits on Sight or Be Treated Like One’ — Defence Minister Issues Tough Order To Troops

• Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has directed Nigerian troops to engage bandits and terrorists immediately without waiting for approval from their superiors, warning that any soldier who hesitates will be treated like a bandit.

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has ordered Nigerian troops fighting banditry and terrorism to engage armed criminals immediately without waiting for approval from their commanders.

Badaru gave the directive on Wednesday during the commissioning of newly acquired security equipment by the Sokoto State Government, stressing that soldiers deployed to combat terrorists already have the authority to act whenever they encounter armed criminals.

“Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,” the minister said.

He warned that hesitation on the battlefield could allow criminals to escape or launch attacks, making swift action essential to ongoing military operations.

In a stern warning, Badaru said any soldier who refuses to engage bandits or terrorists while waiting for orders would face serious consequences.

“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,” he declared.

The minister described the directive as a general order applicable to all personnel involved in anti-banditry and counterterrorism operations across the country.

FG Investing Billions in Security

Badaru said the Federal Government has invested billions of naira in equipping the armed forces and expects security personnel to use the resources effectively to protect lives and property.

He, however, urged troops to remain professional during operations by avoiding harm to innocent civilians and refraining from harassment or extortion of residents.

According to him, local communities should be treated as partners in the fight against insecurity.

₦27 Billion Security Equipment Unveiled

The directive came as the Sokoto State Government unveiled security equipment valued at over ₦27 billion to strengthen operations against bandits and terrorists.

The equipment includes:

• Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs)
• More than 60 operational vehicles
• Hundreds of motorcycles for difficult terrain
• Bulletproof vests and helmets
• Night-vision goggles
• Thermal imaging devices
• Other tactical and surveillance equipment

The assets are expected to improve troop mobility, intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid response to attacks, particularly in rural communities affected by banditry.

Badaru also cautioned security personnel against misusing or neglecting the newly acquired equipment, warning that officers responsible for poor maintenance would be held accountable.

He further appealed to Nigerians to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains essential in the fight against terrorism and banditry.