Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa Orders Troops to Shoot Terrorists on Sight in North-East, Unveils New Strategies and Equipment Boost

 In a decisive move to tackle the resurgence of terrorist activities in Nigeria’s North-East, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), has directed frontline troops to shoot suspected terrorists on sight without waiting for further orders.

Musa issued the directive on Tuesday while addressing troops in Maiduguri, Borno State, alongside the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. The visit came in response to recent waves of attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in several communities in the region.4e00ca

“You don’t have to wait for any order from anybody. To find them out is your duty wherever you are deployed. You take them down,” the minister told the troops. He stressed: “Our business here is to go and look for Boko Haram and kill them. Is that clear? So, I don’t want to hear about somebody saying he was waiting for any order.”

The Defence Minister announced that the military has already deployed new strategies aimed at ending the long-running insurgency across the North-East. He highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the procurement of new aircraft, drones, and other critical equipment to enhance operational effectiveness and reduce risks to personnel.23b264

Musa commended the sacrifices of the troops, noting that many have lost their lives or sustained injuries in the line of duty. “The President and all Nigerians appreciate your resilience. Stay disciplined, focused, and committed to finishing the fight against terrorism and banditry,” he said.

He warned soldiers against any involvement in illegal activities, such as trading in drugs, ammunition, or weapons, and urged them to remain focused on the mission. “Victory is temporary; our ultimate goal is everlasting success. Nigeria is greater than any challenge,” Musa added.

The minister also disclosed that the federal government will implement a recently approved salary increment for military personnel within the next three months, with three months’ arrears to be paid immediately afterward. He called on Nigerians to support the armed forces and focus on their successes rather than setbacks, stating that “we have more victories than defeats.”

Earlier, the two ministers paid a courtesy visit to Borno State’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Usman Kadafur, assuring him of the federal government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the state. Kadafur described the visit as a strong signal of the government’s determination to overhaul security strategies in the North-East.

Gen. Musa capped the visit by inaugurating new housing units for military officers at Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri before returning to Abuja.

This aggressive posture and logistical support come amid ongoing efforts to rejig military operations in the North-East and North-West theatres, reflecting a broader push to intensify counter-insurgency campaigns and secure affected communities.

The development has been welcomed by many as a firm response to persistent insecurity, though concerns about civilian safety and rules of engagement may arise in implementation.