Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (retd.), on Wednesday ordered troops to shoot bandits and terrorists on sight, warning that any soldier who hesitates while waiting for orders would be treated as a criminal.

Speaking at the commissioning of new security assets in Sokoto State, Musa said troops deployed to combat armed groups should take immediate action once they identify bandits or terrorists.

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

“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. This is a general order.”

His remarks come as Nigeria intensifies efforts to curb escalating violence in the country’s north-west, where heavily armed gangs have carried out killings, kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling and attacks on farming communities.

The minister spoke during the inauguration of security equipment worth 27.127 billion naira ($16.5 million) procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen operations against criminal groups.

The package includes 62 operational vehicles, among them armoured personnel carriers and tactical vehicles, 300 motorcycles, bulletproof vests and other security equipment aimed at improving mobility and rapid response across the state.

Sokoto Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the investment reflected his administration’s commitment to supporting federal security agencies and restoring peace in communities affected by banditry.

“Security remains the foundation for sustainable development,” the governor said, adding that economic growth and agricultural activities could not flourish without safety.

Aliyu also announced that a major road in Sokoto metropolis had been named after Musa in recognition of his contribution to the fight against insecurity.

The defence minister praised the state government for investing in security and urged agencies to ensure the equipment was properly maintained.

“We will come after one year to see how these equipment are doing,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of intelligence sharing and cooperation among security agencies, state authorities and local communities in tackling armed groups.

Nigeria has battled multiple security crises for more than a decade, including insurgencies by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province in the north-east, widespread banditry in the north-west and recurring communal violence in parts of the country’s central region.