BREAKING:Defence Minister, Musa Orders Immediate Engagement Of Bandits, Withdraws Soldiers From Checkpoints To Frontlines

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), on Thursday issued a sweeping directive to troops across the country, ordering them to engage armed bandits immediately without waiting for further instructions.

Speaking after assuming office in Abuja, Musa said the era of hesitation in responding to threats was over, stressing that security agencies must act swiftly to protect citizens, particularly in communities vulnerable to bandit attacks.

He condemned reports that some soldiers delay action under the pretext of awaiting orders, describing such conduct as unacceptable.

“Any soldier who says he is waiting for orders in the face of danger is a coward,” the minister warned. “No Nigerian should die because security failed to act when it mattered most.”

As part of a broader strategy to strengthen frontline operations, Musa announced plans to pull military personnel from road checkpoints and redeploy them to active conflict zones. Police officers and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) will take over checkpoint duties, he said.

According to the minister, the adjustment will allow the Armed Forces to concentrate on combating banditry, terrorism, and other high-threat criminal activities, while also ensuring safer access to farmlands and rural communities.

He assured Nigerians that the military under his watch will adopt a more proactive and aggressive posture.

“Our focus is to restore peace. We will not allow criminals to dictate the pace. We are going after them immediately,” he said.

Musa’s directives come amid heightened concerns over insecurity in the North-West and North-Central regions, where persistent attacks on farmers and travellers have hindered economic activities and deepened humanitarian challenges.

The minister reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to reforming the national security architecture and restoring public confidence in government’s ability to protect lives and property.