Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has issued a direct order to troops engaged in anti-banditry and counterterrorism operations: shoot armed criminals on sight without waiting for approval from superiors. He warned that any soldier who hesitates or refuses to act while awaiting orders will be treated like a bandit.
The minister delivered the directive on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, during the commissioning of newly acquired security equipment by the Sokoto State Government. The equipment package, valued at over ₦27 billion, includes Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), more than 60 operational vehicles, hundreds of motorcycles for difficult terrain, bulletproof vests, helmets, night-vision goggles, thermal imaging devices, and other tactical and surveillance assets.
Defence Minister tells troops not to wait for orders
Addressing soldiers and other security personnel, Badaru said troops deployed to combat terrorists and bandits already have the authority to act immediately whenever they encounter armed criminals. "Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist," he stated. He stressed that hesitation on the battlefield could give criminals time to escape or launch attacks, making swift action essential.
The minister then issued a stern warning: "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 described the instruction as a "general order" for all security personnel involved in anti-banditry and counterterrorism operations.
Why the directive was issued
Badaru explained that the Federal Government has invested billions of naira in equipping security agencies and expects those resources to be used effectively to protect lives and property. Troops should focus on eliminating security threats instead of delaying operations while awaiting further instructions from commanders. He also urged soldiers to remain professional and ensure innocent civilians are not harmed during military operations. The minister warned security personnel against harassing or extorting residents, emphasizing that communities should be treated as partners in the fight against insecurity.
Sokoto unveils billions of naira worth of security equipment
The directive came during the unveiling of a major security package procured by the Sokoto State Government to support security agencies operating across the state. The equipment, valued at more than ₦27 billion, is expected to improve troop mobility, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and rapid response to attacks, particularly in rural communities affected by banditry.
Defence Minister warns against misuse of security assets
Badaru also cautioned security personnel to properly maintain the newly acquired equipment. He noted that the assets were purchased with public funds and should not be neglected or damaged through misuse. According to him, the government will monitor how the equipment is used, warning that officers responsible for poor maintenance would be held accountable.
Communities urged to support security agencies
The Defence Minister called on residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, saying community cooperation remains critical to defeating terrorists and bandits. He said lasting success in the fight against insecurity depends not only on military operations but also on timely information from members of the public.
The directive marks one of the clearest signals yet that the Federal Government wants troops to respond more aggressively to armed groups while continuing to operate within the law and protect innocent civilians.
