‘Media must not promote terrorist propaganda’ — Defence minister
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has called on media organisations across Nigeria to exercise professionalism in their reporting and avoid disseminating terrorist propaganda that could demoralise troops and give undue publicity to criminal elements.
Gen. Musa made the call on Wednesday while addressing journalists after a strategic meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs to review operational strategies across various theatres of operation in the country.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces, working closely with other security agencies, are intensifying efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity threatening national stability.
“The military has recorded some casualties in the line of duty, but security forces have continued to inflict significant losses on terrorists and bandits, including the elimination of several of their commanders and destruction of their assets,” Gen. Musa said.
While pledging the military’s commitment to defeating all threats to the nation’s peace and unity, he urged Nigerians to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing operations, warning that individuals who assist criminal groups with information or logistics would be treated as accomplices.
He further reassured citizens 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.
Present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oloyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Udieandeye.
