The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has directed security personnel not to hesitate in confronting armed bandits and terrorists, declaring that any operative who fails to neutralise criminals under the excuse of awaiting orders would be treated as collaborating with them.

Musa gave the charge on Wednesday in Sokoto State while commissioning 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state.

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

“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.”

The minister described the intervention as a demonstration of strategic leadership and praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu for consistently supporting security agencies with logistics and operational equipment.

“This event is not merely the unveiling of security assets. It is a demonstration of strategic leadership, responsible governance and our collective determination to strengthen the security architecture of Sokoto State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.

Musa, who described himself as “a proud son of Sokoto,” said the state had remained one of the most peaceful in the country due to collaboration among the government, security agencies and residents.

He noted that the newly commissioned armoured vehicles and tactical equipment would improve operational mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection in the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.

The Minister of Defence, however, cautioned security personnel against neglecting the newly acquired assets.

“This equipment costs billions of naira. We don’t want to hand them over and then you throw them away or mishandle them. They must serve the purpose for which they were procured,” he said.

While urging officers to remain professional, Musa reminded them to protect innocent citizens while taking decisive action against criminals.

“You are not to go there and extort or harass the people. You are there to protect them and work with them to eliminate bandits and terrorists operating within your area,” he added.

Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the latest intervention formed part of his administration’s sustained investment in security since assuming office.

According to him, the state government procured bulletproof vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 320 motorcycles, 3,200 security gadgets, 2,000 bulletproof helmets and vests, 200 night-vision goggles, thermal devices and other tactical equipment.

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“In all, we are distributing 62 vehicles and the security equipment highlighted above. These vehicles and security equipment cost the Sokoto State Government ₦27.127 billion,” the governor said.

Aliyu disclosed that the state had previously spent over ₦36 billion on security interventions, including operational vehicles, motorcycles, military and police barracks, the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and support for the Nigerian Air Force Base.

The governor also revealed that his administration had forwarded a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking stiffer penalties for informants aiding bandits.

“The bill is currently before the State House of Assembly and once it is passed, we will sign it without any further delay,” he said.

He added that the government had approved the establishment of a Command and Control Centre to enhance surveillance and coordination of security operations across the state.

Governor Aliyu appealed to residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that defeating banditry requires a collective effort.

“Security is a collective responsibility and together we shall overcome every security challenge confronting our state,” he said.

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has cried out over alleged threat to his life.

Obi, who is a major contender ahead of the 2027 presidential election said he might not be alive to participate in the election.

According to him, there is obvious attack on everything that had to do with him, including his life.

The former Anambra state governor made the allegation during a podcast with Chude Jideonwo.

“The way they are going now I might not be alive,  I’m telling you every single thing I do for a living this government is frustrating it deliberately so.

“Everything, so there’s even a possibility if they have opportunity I will not be alive. I get frustrations every day because you do things that may think it may be normal it is not normal they won’t come directly and say oh we are doing this but you could see their hand in eventually everything.

“The government is attacking everybody, I am being attacked personally even to provide me with things I am entitled to, not at all,” he said.

He recalled how his vehicle was clamped down at the airport while he was right there, whereas other vehicles lined up on the same spot were untouched.

Obi further that stated that even close associates were beginning to avoid him over fear of government clampdown.

He disclosed that friends now send him invitations for occasions but tell him not to bother attending.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that the intervention programmes of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have continued to demonstrate that the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering tangible economic benefits to millions of Nigerians through strategic investments in entrepreneurship, small businesses, and youth empowerment.

According to Professor Yilwatda, the Presidential Intervention Funds represent yet another example of the Tinubu administration fulfilling its campaign promises by providing the critical financial support needed to stimulate enterprise, create jobs, and deepen economic inclusion across the country.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the National Chairman noted that for decades, access to affordable financing remained one of the biggest obstacles confronting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), despite their enormous contribution to national economic growth and employment generation.

The current administration, he said, has deliberately moved to address this challenge through targeted intervention programmes that are unlocking the entrepreneurial potential of Nigerians.

“The Tinubu administration understands that sustainable economic growth begins with empowering the productive sector. By supporting small businesses and young entrepreneurs, government is laying the foundation for long-term prosperity and shared economic progress,” he stated.

Professor Yilwatda highlighted the ₦75 billion Presidential Intervention Fund for MSMEs as a landmark initiative designed to provide accessible financing for small businesses across various sectors of the economy.

He said the programme is enabling entrepreneurs to expand their operations, increase productivity, and create employment opportunities.

He further pointed to the ₦11 billion support package through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), describing it as a strategic investment in strengthening the capacity and competitiveness of Nigerian small and medium enterprises.

The APC National Chairman also commended the ₦30 billion Youth Entrepreneurship Fund through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), noting that the initiative reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with the resources required to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses and become drivers of national development.

Professor Yilwatda emphasized that these interventions are already making meaningful differences in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Across the country, young entrepreneurs, artisans, farmers, traders, tailors, manufacturers, and other small business owners are accessing capital to expand their businesses, employ more people, and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

He explained that the impact extends beyond individual beneficiaries, creating a multiplier effect through increased productivity, higher household incomes, stronger local economies, and expanded opportunities for wealth creation.

“The APC remains committed to building an economy that works for all Nigerians. These intervention funds are not mere policy announcements; they are practical investments in the dreams and aspirations of millions of our people.

“The evidence is clear. Businesses are receiving support, young people are being empowered, jobs are being created, and economic inclusion is expanding. This is governance that delivers results, and it is another demonstration that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is keeping his promises to the Nigerian people,” Professor Yilwatda said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the APC and the Tinubu administration to implementing policies that promote entrepreneurship, stimulate investment, strengthen local industries, and build a resilient economy capable of delivering sustainable prosperity for all Nigerians.