Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has directed troops and other security operatives to immediately engage and neutralise terrorists and bandits without waiting for orders from superior officers, declaring that hesitation in the face of armed criminals will no longer be tolerated.

Speaking during the commissioning of a ₦27.6 billion security intervention package by the Sokoto State Government, the minister said security personnel deployed to operational areas have the authority to confront terrorists on sight. He warned that any officer who fails to act against terrorists or bandits under the excuse of awaiting instructions would be treated as collaborating with the criminals.

The newly commissioned security assets include armoured personnel carriers, tactical vehicles, and hundreds of motorcycles intended to strengthen security operations and improve rapid response across Sokoto State. The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, security chiefs, government officials, and traditional rulers.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to defeating terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes, stressing that security agencies must take the fight directly to criminal groups to restore peace and protect communities across the country.

The directive comes amid renewed military operations against terrorist and bandit groups across northern Nigeria, where security forces continue to intensify offensives to curb persistent attacks on communities and critical infrastructure.