Security agencies have been directed by President Muhammadu Buhari to shoot someone carrying an AK-47 rifle.

Garba Shehu, his spokesman, made the announcement in an interview with BBC Hausa.

Bandits who refused to surrender were also put down by Buhari.

“The president has ordered security forces to go into the bushes and shoot whoever they see with sophisticated weapons like AK-47,” Shehu said.

Bandits have been terrorizing Northwestern states in recent years. The outlaws engage in murders and kidnap for ransom.

In February, Halilu Sububu, a bandit leader, said daily attacks were caused by a breach of agreement.

Sububu asked President Buhari to personally visit them talks.