Nigeria's Defence Minister Authorizes Troops to Engage Terrorists Without Orders
Defence Minister Christopher Dare has directed Nigerian troops deployed in Zamfara and Katsina to immediately engage and shoot bandits or terrorists without waiting for authorization, following coordinated attacks repelled by military forces.
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Nigerian Defence Minister Christopher Dare has instructed troops deployed in the North-West to immediately engage and eliminate terrorists without awaiting orders, a significant shift in operational protocol aimed at countering persistent insecurity. ‘Once you are deployed, do not wait for any order from anybody to shoot any bandit or any terrorist,’ Dare said, according to Vanguard News, underscoring a new directive intended to enhance responsiveness during attacks.
The directive follows recent coordinated terrorist incursions in Zamfara and Katsina states, which were repelled by joint air and ground operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA. According to Business Day, airstrikes and troop deployments disrupted what security authorities described as a major offensive, signaling escalating threats in the region. The military response has been intensified amid growing concerns over the frequency and coordination of attacks by armed groups.
On July 7, 2026, troops killed a high-ranking terrorist commander and prevented planned attacks in both states, the Peoples Gazette reported. The elimination of the commander is seen as a significant blow to insurgent networks operating across the North-West. The defence minister’s order appears to reflect a broader strategy to empower frontline forces amid sustained violence that has challenged state control in the region.
While the policy shift aims to improve tactical agility, it raises questions about rules of engagement and accountability in military operations. However, official statements have focused on the need for rapid response, with no mention of oversight mechanisms accompanying the new directive. The military has not disclosed further details on operational changes or long-term strategy beyond the immediate mandate to confront armed groups.