By George Ozalla
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa Rtd., has urged media organisations across the country to exercise professionalism and responsibility in their reportage, warning against the dissemination of terrorist propaganda capable of demoralizing troops and giving undue publicity to criminal groups.
The minister made the call while addressing journalists after a strategic meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs where operational strategies across different theatres of operation in the country were reviewed.
According to a press statement signed by Queenet Iheoma-Hart for the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Defence, the minister assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces, working in collaboration with other security agencies, are intensifying efforts to confront terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity threatening national stability.
Musa noted that while the military has recorded some casualties in the line of duty, security forces have continued to inflict significant losses on terrorists and bandits, including the elimination of several of their commanders and the destruction of their operational assets.
He reaffirmed the military’s determination to defeat all threats to the peace and unity of the country and called on Nigerians to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies with credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
The minister stressed that addressing insecurity requires collective responsibility, warning that individuals who provide information or logistical support to criminal groups would be treated as accomplices and dealt with in accordance with the law.
Musa also reassured citizens that under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government remains committed to supporting the Armed Forces and security agencies in their ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability across the country.
Those present at the meeting included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oloyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu; the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Udieandeye.
The Federal Ministry of Defence is responsible for coordinating Nigeria’s defence policy and overseeing the operations of the Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy and Air Force, in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and national security.
