The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has directed members of the armed forces and other security agencies to immediately engage and eliminate terrorists and bandits during operations, warning that personnel who hesitate or wait for orders could be treated as collaborators.

Musa issued the directive on Wednesday in Sokoto while inaugurating 62 armoured vehicles and 320 motorcycles procured by the Sokoto State Government for deployment by security agencies across the state.

The security assets, valued at about ₦27.7 billion, are expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to combat banditry, terrorism and other forms of violent crime in the state.

Addressing the troops, the defence minister stressed that security personnel have a duty to neutralise armed criminals wherever they are encountered without waiting for further authorisation.

"I want to reiterate this to all members of the armed forces and security forces. Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist," Musa said.

"I want to make that very loud and clear. 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."

Musa noted that the equipment was purchased with public funds and must be used effectively to protect lives and property.

"The federal government, the state government, the local government and indeed Nigerian taxpayers' money is what is used to buy these equipment," he said.

"They are bought so that you can take down anybody who is trying to cause mayhem wherever he is. So it is your responsibility to ensure that you take him down, not to allow him take you down."

The minister also charged officers entrusted with the newly commissioned vehicles and motorcycles to ensure they are properly maintained, describing the assets as a major investment that must be preserved.

He warned against negligence and misuse of the equipment, adding that the authorities would return after one year to assess their condition and operational effectiveness.

"We don't want to hand them over and then you throw them away or you mishandle them and they become bad within a few months," he said.

"They must serve the purpose they were procured for."

Musa reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to tackling insecurity nationwide, saying the administration remains steadfast in its resolve to secure every part of the country and provide the necessary support for security agencies to succeed in their operations.