Kill Terrorists, Bandits Instantly, Defence Minister Urges Security Agencies

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

General Musa, who reemphasised that when engaging terrorists and bandits, security agencies should kill them instantly, further admonished Nigerians to see security as everybody’s business, hence the need for collective efforts in bringing it to an end

The vehicles purchased at around 27.7bn are considered yet another strategic logistical assistance to security agencies. They are seen as one of the many ways the state government is helping to end the insecurity.

Speaking before the commissioning, Gen. Musa expressed joy that Sokoto is his home, having been born and brought up in the state.

Admitting that, despite pockets of recent challenges, Sokoto remains a very peaceful state, adding that the governor is doing everything humanly possible to ensure the sustainability of that peace.

The minister, while recalling that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, had previously provided such interventions to the security agencies, added that this will not only boost their operational capabilities but also increase their morale.

He further appealed to other governors and well-meaning Nigerians to contribute their quota by extending such gestures to security agencies in their respective states, just as he assured that the current security challenges bedevilling Nigeria will soon become history.

Speaking on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Gen. Musa listed security as a priority, adding that the federal government remains committed to ensuring a safer environment for all.

Delivering his speech, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the newly purchased armoured vehicles and motorcycles will be deployed to flash points in the state to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other related crimes.

Gov Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto said the gesture is to enhance the operational capabilities of the security agencies and boost the protection of the lives and properties of all law-abiding citizens of the state.

The Sokoto State Governor recalled that his administration had previously spent over N36.27 billion in similar gestures to bolster the operations of the Armed Forces and other security agencies across the state.

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

He commended the Federal Government, the Armed Forces, other security agencies and critical stakeholders for their sustained efforts, disclosing that security tops his 9-Point Smart Agenda.

Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to improving the security of Nigerians’ lives and property.

On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sámbo Wali Junaidu, commended the giant strides of Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his relentless efforts towards ensuring the protection of the lives and properties of the people of the state.