After Meeting Service Chiefs, Musa Urges Media to Avoid Amplifying Terrorist Propaganda
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has urged media organisations across the country to exercise professionalism in their reporting and avoid amplifying terrorist propaganda capable of demoralising troops and giving undue publicity to criminal elements.
Musa made the call on Wednesday while addressing journalists after a strategic meeting with the nation’s top military leadership to review ongoing security operations across various theatres in the country.
The meeting, which brought together the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs, focused on assessing operational strategies in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other security threats confronting the nation.
According to the minister, responsible journalism is critical to sustaining the morale of troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations and preventing the spread of narratives that may embolden criminal groups.
He warned that the dissemination of unverified information or propaganda originating from terrorist groups could undermine ongoing military efforts and distort public perception of the security situation.
While acknowledging that the Armed Forces had recorded some casualties in the line of duty, Musa noted that the military had continued to inflict significant losses on terrorist and bandit groups through sustained operations.
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“The 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 said.
The minister reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, to intensify operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and restoring peace and stability across the country.
He also called on Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence that could assist ongoing operations against criminal groups.
According to him, tackling insecurity requires a collective effort from both security institutions and the public.
Musa warned that individuals found aiding criminal groups with information, logistics or other forms of support would be treated as accomplices and dealt with in accordance with the law.
The defence minister further assured citizens that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government remains committed to providing the necessary support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies in their efforts to safeguard the nation.
Those present at the meeting included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oloyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu; the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Udieandeye.
By PRNigeria
