Shoot Terrorists First was the firm directive issued by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence to troops engaged in the fight against terrorism and banditry, urging them to act swiftly against armed criminals instead of waiting for approval before responding to threats.
According to reports monitored by Valid9ja, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), on Wednesday warned security personnel that hesitation during combat operations could endanger lives and strengthen criminal groups. He stressed that troops deployed to conflict zones must be prepared to confront terrorists immediately whenever they pose a threat.
The minister’s remarks come as Nigerian security forces continue sustained operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other armed groups operating in several parts of the country.
Shoot Terrorists First, Defence Minister Issues Strong Warning
Speaking during an engagement with military personnel, Gen. Christopher Musa made it clear that operational delays would no longer be tolerated.
He instructed soldiers involved in counter-terrorism and anti-banditry missions to neutralise armed criminals whenever necessary instead of waiting for directives from superior officers before taking action.
Valid9ja gathered that the minister warned that any security operative who refuses to engage terrorists under the excuse of “awaiting orders” could be regarded as assisting the enemy.
According to him, troops have been adequately trained and equipped to assess threats and make critical decisions in the field when lives are at risk.
Troops Must Show Courage in the Battlefield
The Defence Minister encouraged military personnel to remain courageous and proactive while carrying out their constitutional responsibility of protecting Nigerians.
He explained that terrorists and bandits often exploit hesitation by security forces to launch attacks, escape from operations, or inflict casualties on innocent civilians.
The minister therefore urged troops to maintain professionalism while responding decisively whenever they come under attack or encounter armed criminal elements.
Renewed Push Against Terrorism and Banditry
Nigeria has continued to battle insurgency, terrorism, kidnapping, and armed banditry across several regions, particularly in parts of the North-East, North-West, and North-Central.
Information obtained by Valid9ja shows that security agencies have intensified joint military operations in recent months, targeting terrorist camps, bandit hideouts, and kidnapping networks.
The Federal Government has repeatedly assured Nigerians that restoring peace and strengthening national security remain top priorities.
Military authorities have also continued to deploy additional personnel, intelligence resources, and surveillance equipment to improve operational effectiveness.
Warning Against Operational Negligence
The minister emphasised that every soldier has a duty to protect fellow personnel and civilians during military operations.
He cautioned that failure to engage armed criminals when the opportunity presents itself could undermine ongoing security efforts and place communities at greater risk.
According to the minister, commanders are expected to encourage initiative, discipline, and professionalism while ensuring that troops comply with the rules of engagement.
Security Forces Continue Nationwide Operations
The latest directive comes as security agencies sustain coordinated operations across several states affected by insecurity.
Military offensives, intelligence-led raids, aerial surveillance, and joint operations involving other security agencies have resulted in the arrest of suspected terrorists, recovery of weapons, and the rescue of kidnapped victims in recent months.
Authorities believe that maintaining pressure on criminal groups will further weaken their operational capacity and improve public safety.
Residents have also been encouraged to continue sharing credible intelligence with security agencies to support ongoing operations.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to National Security
The Federal Government has consistently maintained that defeating terrorism and banditry requires both military action and community cooperation.
Officials say investments in military training, modern equipment, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency collaboration are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s overall security architecture.
The Defence Minister reaffirmed that security personnel have the government’s full support as they continue operations against criminal groups threatening national peace and stability.
The Shoot Terrorists First directive underscores the Federal Government’s determination to intensify the fight against terrorism and banditry across Nigeria. By urging troops to act decisively without unnecessary delays, the Defence Minister hopes to strengthen military operations, protect innocent lives, and further weaken the activities of armed criminal groups.