Minister of Defence cautions against giving a platform to extremist groups' messaging

Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Minister of Defence, has urged the media to exercise professionalism and responsibility in their reporting, avoiding the dissemination of terrorist propaganda that could undermine troop morale and inadvertently promote criminal activities.

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This call to action was accompanied by a warning that individuals found to be aiding criminal groups through information or logistical support would be regarded as accomplices and face corresponding consequences.

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Gen. Musa made these remarks following a strategic meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs, where they conducted a thorough review of operational strategies across various theatres of operation within the country.

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The Minister reassured Nigerians that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, are intensifying their efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity that threaten national stability.

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He noted that although the military has suffered casualties in the line of duty, the security forces have continued to inflict significant losses on terrorists and bandits, including the elimination of several high-ranking commanders and the destruction of their assets.

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Gen. Musa pledged the military's commitment to defeating all threats to the nation's peace and unity, and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military and other security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing operations.

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He emphasized that addressing insecurity requires a collective effort, highlighting the importance of a unified approach in tackling these challenges.

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Gen. Musa reiterated that individuals who aid criminal groups with information or logistics would be treated as accomplices and dealt with accordingly, underscoring the need for citizens to refrain from such activities.

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The Minister further reassured Nigerians that under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government remains committed to supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies in their efforts to restore peace and security across the country.

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Notable attendees at the event included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defense, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oloyede, and other high-ranking officials such as Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and Lieutenant General Emmanuel Udieandeye.