ABUJA — Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa, has issued a direct and uncompromising directive to Nigerian troops battling insecurity across the country: engage terrorists and bandits on sight, and do not wait for further instructions from superiors.
Speaking during an operational briefing with senior commanders today, Musa said the era of seeking clearance before responding to attacks must end if the military is to gain the upper hand against insurgents, bandits, and other criminal groups.
“From today, if you see terrorists, if you see bandits, you shoot them immediately. Don’t wait for orders,” Musa told the troops. “Any operative who refuses to act and hides under the excuse of awaiting approval will be treated as a collaborator.”
The minister said the new standing order was necessitated by repeated reports of delays in response time, which he noted had cost lives and allowed criminal elements to escape after attacks on communities.
According to him, terrorists and bandits have exploited bureaucratic processes within the security chain to regroup and launch fresh assaults, especially in the North West, North East, and parts of the North Central.
“We cannot continue to lose our people because someone is waiting for a call from Abuja before pulling the trigger,” he said. “The enemy does not wait for orders. So you must not wait either. Your mandate is to protect Nigerians, and that mandate starts the moment you identify a threat.”
Musa stressed that the directive does not encourage reckless use of force, but rather empowers field commanders and frontline personnel to take decisive action within the rules of engagement. He added that accountability mechanisms would be strengthened to ensure that actions taken under the new order are properly documented and reviewed.
The Defence Minister also warned that commanders who fail to transmit this order down the chain, or who punish personnel for acting in self-defense and in defense of civilians, would face disciplinary measures.
Security analysts say the directive signals a shift toward more aggressive, real-time response tactics as the Federal Government intensifies its campaign against armed groups that have plagued highways, farms, and rural communities for years.
Human rights groups have previously raised concerns about extrajudicial actions in counter-insurgency operations. Responding to this, Musa said the military remains bound by the constitution and international humanitarian law, but insisted that hesitation in the face of clear threats was no longer acceptable.
“We are not asking you to break the law. We are asking you to do your job without delay,” he added. “Nigerians are tired of condolence visits. They want results.”
The directive comes amid renewed offensives by troops in Zamfara, Katsina, Borno, and Benue states, where attacks by bandits and insurgents have surged in recent months. Military sources said the order has already been circulated to all theaters of operation.
As of press time, the Defence Headquarters said it would begin immediate training and refresher courses to ensure all personnel understand the new rules of engagement and the consequences for non-compliance.
