The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), OFR, has called on the media nationwide to exercise professionalism in reporting security matters and avoid promoting terrorist propaganda that could demoralise troops or give undue publicity to criminal elements.
Gen. Musa made the appeal while addressing journalists after a strategic meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs, during which operational strategies across various theatres of operation were reviewed.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, are intensifying efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity threatening national stability. The minister stated that while some casualties have been recorded by the military, security forces have continued to inflict significant losses on terrorists and bandits, including the elimination of several commanders and destruction of their assets.
Highlighting the importance of public cooperation, Gen. Musa urged citizens to provide credible information that could aid ongoing operations, noting that addressing insecurity requires collective effort. He warned that individuals who provide assistance, information, or logistics to criminal groups would be treated as accomplices and dealt with accordingly.
The Defence Minister further reassured Nigerians that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government remains committed to supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies in restoring peace and security across the country.
The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oloyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Udieandeye.
