‘Kill terrorists instantly’ — Defence Minister tells security agencies

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), on Wednesday in Sokoto inaugurated 62 armoured vehicles and 320 motorcycles purchased by the state government for security agencies, and assured that the country’s current security challenges will soon become history.

The vehicles and motorcycles, procured at a cost of about N27.7 billion, are described as strategic logistical support to security agencies and part of the state government’s efforts to tackle insecurity.

Speaking at the event, Musa said security agencies should “kill terrorists and bandits instantly when engaging them.” He also urged Nigerians to see security as a collective responsibility.

“Sokoto is my home. I was born and brought up here,” Musa said. He admitted that despite pockets of recent challenges, Sokoto remains a peaceful state, and commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for doing “everything humanly possible to ensure the sustainability of that peace.”

The minister noted that the state government had previously provided similar interventions, adding that the latest support would boost the operational capacity and morale of security agencies.

He appealed to other governors and well-meaning Nigerians to extend similar gestures to security agencies in their states, and reiterated that Nigeria’s security challenges “will soon become history.”

On the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Musa said security remains a priority and the federal government is committed to ensuring a safer environment for all.

In his address, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the armoured vehicles and motorcycles would be deployed to flashpoints across the state to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other crimes.

Aliyu said the gesture is aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of security agencies and protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.

He said his administration had previously spent over N36.27 billion on similar support for the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the state.

According to him, a bill is being considered at the Sokoto State House of Assembly to ensure that informants are treated the same way as bandits.

The governor said security tops his 9-Point Smart Agenda, and commended the federal government, the Armed Forces, other security agencies and stakeholders for their sustained efforts.

Aliyu also thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to improving the security of Nigerians’ lives and property.

In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, was represented by the Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu. He commended Aliyu for his efforts toward protecting lives and property in the state.