Avoid amplifying terrorists’ propaganda — Defence minister warns media

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has urged media organisations across Nigeria to maintain professionalism in their reportage and avoid spreading terrorist propaganda capable of demoralising troops or giving undue publicity to criminal groups.

The minister also warned that anyone who provides criminal elements with information, logistics or other forms of assistance would be regarded as an accomplice and dealt with according to the law.

Musa gave the warning while addressing journalists after a strategic meeting with service chiefs and senior military officials, where operational strategies across different theatres of operation in the country were reviewed.

According to him, the Armed Forces, working in collaboration with other security agencies, are intensifying efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and other security threats affecting national stability.

He acknowledged that the military had suffered casualties in the course of ongoing operations but stressed that security forces have continued to record major successes against terrorists and bandits.

“The military has recorded some casualties in the line of duty, but our forces have also inflicted significant losses on terrorists and bandits, including the elimination of several of their commanders and the destruction of their assets,” he said.

The defence minister reaffirmed the commitment of the armed forces to defeating all threats to Nigeria’s peace and unity, while urging citizens to support security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing operations.

Musa emphasised that tackling insecurity requires collective effort, noting that individuals who aid criminal groups with information or logistics would be treated as accomplices.

He also reassured Nigerians that the Federal Government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains 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 Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oloyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu; the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Udieandeye.