Defence Chief Laments Coordinated Social Media Attacks Against Military
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has expressed deep concern over the growing wave of misinformation and coordinated social media campaigns targeting Nigeria’s military institutions.
He warned that such actions are undermining national security and emboldening criminal elements.
General Musa made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking at a high-level citizens’ engagement forum organised by the Voice of Nigeria (VON).
The event, themed “Renewed Hope Agenda: Citizens’ Engagement and National Security”, brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, and the media to discuss the nexus between public trust and national defence.
In his address, the CDS urged Nigerians to rise above division and disinformation, and instead offer moral and strategic support to the nation’s security forces.
He said the defence and stability of the country remain a shared responsibility.
“We must never forget that our security forces are human beings who sacrifice everything to defend this nation. If their morale fails, their mission fails,” General Musa said.
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He lamented that the proliferation of fake news, disinformation, and online propaganda—often orchestrated to discredit security institutions—was having a damaging effect on the morale of troops and public confidence in the military.
“When we distort facts or spread falsehoods, we are empowering terrorists. Citizens must hear directly from leaders, not propaganda. We must counter negative narratives with clarity and sincerity,” he added.
General Musa also described Nigeria’s security landscape as “increasingly complex, unyielding, and constantly evolving,” calling for a smarter, community-driven approach to tackling threats.
He advocated for a unified national identity over partisan or foreign political aspirations, saying, “This is our country. We must defend it together.”
On border security, he stressed the need for urgent action and collective commitment, pointing to countries like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as examples of nations that have successfully secured vast frontiers through willpower and national focus.
The CDS further appealed to the media to embrace responsible journalism and contribute to peace-building efforts by avoiding sensationalism and prioritising verified information.
“Informing the people with truth is a national service,” he said.
