Defence minister cautions media against amplifying terrorists’ propaganda

by Ehichoya Imhanfiabor

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has urged media organisations across the country to exercise professionalism and responsibility in their reportage, warning against the dissemination of terrorist propaganda that could demoralise troops and give undue publicity to criminal groups.

Musa also warned that individuals who provide criminal groups with information or logistical support would be treated as accomplices and dealt with according to the law.

The minister spoke 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 nationwide.

He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, were intensifying efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and other security threats undermining national stability.

According to him, although the military had recorded casualties in the line of duty, security forces had continued to inflict significant losses on terrorists and bandits, including the elimination of several commanders and the destruction of their operational assets.

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While reaffirming the military’s commitment to defeating threats to Nigeria’s peace and unity, Musa urged citizens to support security operations by providing credible information that could aid ongoing efforts.

He stressed that addressing the country’s security challenges required collective action from both the government and the public.

The minister also reiterated that under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government remained committed to supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies in restoring peace and security across the country.

Those present at the meeting included the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah; the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Gwabin Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla; Chief of Air Staff, Hasan Bala Abubakar; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiandeye.