Defence Minister Issues Direct Shoot-on-Sight Order to Troops in North-East
In a bold move to intensify the war against terrorism, Nigeria's Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retired), has issued a direct order to troops on the front lines: shoot any terrorists encountered on sight, without waiting for further instructions. This command was delivered during a visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, on Tuesday, April 1, 2026, amid a recent surge in attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the North-East region.
New Military Strategies and Equipment Deployed
While addressing troops alongside Borno State's Defence Minister, Bello Matawalle, General Musa announced that the Nigerian military has already implemented new strategies aimed at ending the insurgency across the entire North-East. He emphasized that these measures are part of a comprehensive effort to restore peace and security to the area, which has been plagued by terrorist activities for years.
The minister revealed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the procurement of new aircraft, drones, and other advanced equipment to enhance the troops' operational capabilities. This upgrade is expected to enable forces to perform their duties more effectively and with greater ease, addressing long-standing challenges in the conflict zone.
Appreciation and Motivation for Troops
During his speech, General Musa acknowledged the tremendous sacrifices made by the military personnel, noting that many have lost their lives or been injured in the line of duty. "You are making tremendous sacrifices—many have lost their lives, and many have been injured. While we cannot fully compensate you, be assured that your dedication has not gone unnoticed," he stated.
He further conveyed that the President and all Nigerians appreciate the resilience of the armed forces, urging troops to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to finishing the fight against terrorism and banditry. "Our enemies do not wish us well, and we must remain unwavering," Musa added, highlighting the importance of steadfastness in the face of adversity.
Clear Instructions and Zero Tolerance for Delays
The minister was unequivocal in his directives, instructing troops not to wait for any orders before engaging terrorists. "You don't have to wait for any order from anybody. To find them out is your duty wherever you are deployed. You take them down. So, I don't want to hear about somebody saying he was waiting for any order," he emphasized.
He also warned against illegal activities, such as drug trafficking or unauthorized handling of ammunition, stressing that the primary mission is to locate and eliminate Boko Haram elements. "Whether drugs, ammunition, weapons, you don't have any business and our business here is to go and look for Boko Haram and kill them. Is that clear?" Musa questioned the troops, reinforcing the urgency of their task.
Salary Increments and Federal Support
In a bid to boost morale, General Musa announced that salary increments for military personnel would be implemented by the federal government within the next three months. Additionally, a three-month salary arrears will be paid immediately thereafter. This move is seen as a tangible gesture of support for the troops' efforts and sacrifices.
The minister called on Nigerians to continue supporting the military and to avoid focusing on their failures, noting that the bravery and dedication of the troops deserve recognition. "The sacrifices made by our troops—who leave their families behind and work tirelessly—deserve our recognition and support. The story of their bravery must be told accurately, and we must stand united in strength and encouragement," he stated.
Reassurance to State Authorities and Broader Implications
During their visit, the ministers also met with Borno State's Deputy Governor, Dr. Usman Kadafur, to reassure state authorities of the federal government's strong commitment to restoring peace. Kadafur responded by stating that the arrival of the two ministers signaled a serious intent to overhaul security strategies in the fight against insurgency in the North-East.
General Musa further highlighted the military's achievements, noting that "we have more victories than defeats," and expressing pride in the resilience and dedication of the armed forces. He stressed that with sustained effort, updated equipment, and international cooperation, the Nigerian Military is fully committed to safeguarding the nation and maintaining its independence.
Before departing for Abuja, the minister officially launched housing units for military officers at Maimalari Barracks, underscoring ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of personnel. This visit and the subsequent orders mark a significant escalation in Nigeria's counter-terrorism operations, aiming to decisively curb the threat posed by terrorist groups in the region.
