Nigeria's Defence Minister tells troops: Shoot terrorists first, don't wait for orders

Nigeria's Minister of Defence has issued a direct order to troops, instructing them to engage and eliminate terrorists without hesitation. The minister stated, "Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist."

This directive underscores a new, more aggressive posture against the persistent security challenges plaguing parts of the country, particularly banditry and insurgency. The minister's statement implies a desire for greater autonomy and initiative among soldiers on the ground, aiming to expedite responses in counter-terrorism operations.

The instruction suggests a potential shift in operational protocols, empowering soldiers to make immediate lethal decisions upon encountering identified threats. This move is likely intended to counter the perceived slowness or hesitancy in previous responses and to instill a sense of urgency in combating armed groups across the nation.

“

Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist