Defence Minister urges media responsibility, warns against aiding terrorists

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has called on journalists across Nigeria to exercise professionalism and avoid spreading terrorist propaganda that could demoralize troops or give undue publicity to criminal groups.

Speaking after a strategic meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs, Gen. Musa warned that anyone providing information or logistics to terrorists and bandits would be treated as an accomplice and dealt with accordingly.

He reassured Nigerians that the Armed Forces, working alongside other security agencies, are intensifying operations against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.

“The military has recorded some casualties in the line of duty, but our forces have continued to inflict significant losses on terrorists and bandits, including eliminating several of their commanders and destroying their assets,” Gen. Musa said.

He urged citizens to support security efforts by providing credible information to aid ongoing operations, emphasizing that tackling insecurity requires a collective effort.

Gen. Musa also reaffirmed that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government is committed to equipping and backing the Armed Forces and other security agencies to restore peace and stability nationwide.

Present at the briefing were top military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oloyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Udieandeye; and the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah.