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Shoot on Sight, Don’t Wait for Orders — New Defence Minister Directs Troops, Plans Checkpoint Withdrawal
By: Fabian Apechihin
The newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has ordered Nigerian troops to engage armed bandits immediately on sight without waiting for further authorisation, describing the directive as critical for protecting frontline personnel and restoring public confidence in national security operations.
Speaking during his Senate screening on Wednesday, Musa issued the directive while responding to lawmakers’ concerns over delays in military response during encounters with insurgents. He stressed that once soldiers are deployed to conflict zones, they automatically carry the mandate to neutralise armed threats.
“And for the troop, every personnel member that is deployed knows why they’re deployed. You are to engage any criminal or bandit that is armed and about to kill you. You don’t have to wait,” he said. “If someone is aiming to shoot at you, from who are you waiting for orders? Once you are deployed, you automatically have that responsibility.”
He added that no soldier should claim to be awaiting clearance when faced with imminent danger.
“If your colleague is about to be shot and the only way to stop it is to kill the attacker, you must act. You are meant to secure the community or property under your protection,” Musa stated.
“Any personnel deployed who says he is waiting for orders is lying and acting out of cowardice. The order is automatic. Every soldier is fully briefed before deployment.”
Plan to Withdraw Soldiers from Checkpoints
Musa also revealed plans to withdraw military personnel from routine road checkpoints and redeploy them to active conflict zones across the country.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) will assume responsibility for checkpoint operations, allowing soldiers to pursue insurgents in difficult terrain.
“What we want to do is withdraw military personnel from all checkpoints and let the police and civil defence handle those duties,” he said.
“This will enable the military to go into the bushes and take out these criminals wherever they are.”
He underscored the importance of restoring security in farming communities to revive food production.
“Farmers must be able to return to their farms. If people cannot eat, you can imagine what will happen,” he warned.
On Rising Killings and National Security
Addressing the spate of killings across different regions, Musa described the situation as a national tragedy affecting all Nigerians.
“People are being killed. That is why it is important that we all come together. Once we allow gaps, that is when criminals penetrate,” he said.
“They do not care who they kill. They are driven by evil and drugs. No Nigerian should be killed for any reason.”
Stronger Recruitment and Use of Retired Officers
On military recruitment, Musa said the Defence Ministry is improving background checks to eliminate saboteurs and ensure that only committed candidates are enlisted.
“We recruit from society, so recruitment must be thorough, especially through a reliable database,” he noted.
“With the ongoing conflicts, some people are no longer willing to serve in high-risk areas. We have also observed that some states contribute fewer recruits.”
He disclosed that over 70,000 applicants are currently seeking enlistment, stressing that recruitment will be balanced to ensure nationwide participation.
Musa also proposed engaging retired military officers to strengthen national security institutions.
“Some retirees have over 40 years of experience. They are brilliant and committed. We must utilise them,” he said.
Commitment to National Duty
Acknowledging the heavy expectations surrounding his appointment, Musa said he is under immense pressure to deliver.
“I am feeling the heat. I know I cannot afford to fail myself, my family, or my nation,” he stated.
He concluded by attributing the persistence of terrorism and banditry to years of neglected security gaps, weak community engagement, and poor inter-agency coordination. He assured Nigerians and lawmakers that his leadership will focus on closing these gaps and significantly improving national safety.
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
Uncategorized
JUST IN: After Primary Election Victory, Shehu Sani Visits Parents’ Graves to Offer Prayers and Express Gratitude to God
Following his victory in the party primary election, Senator Shehu Sani visited the graves of his parents to pray and give thanks to Almighty God.
The former senator described the visit as very important to him, noting that his parents played a significant role in his upbringing and in shaping his political life.
Shehu Sani prayed for Allah to forgive his parents and all deceased Muslims, while also reaffirming his commitment to continue serving the people with honesty and integrity after securing victory in the primaries.
The gesture has attracted attention from his supporters and social media users, many of whom praised his act of remembering his parents after a political success.
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
Dr. Nafiu Sankara Emerges as Kano Central Senatorial Candidate Ahead of the Next Elections
National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman
Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu Declared Winner of Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba
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