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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has again reassured Nigerians that the military is capable and remains fully committed to restoring peace and security across the country.
The minister, who said that the Armed Forces are intensifying operations across various theatres, urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by misinformation circulating on social media, saying that false narratives could undermine the morale of troops
Gen. Musa, gave the assurance after a meeting he held with the chief of Defence staff and service chiefs in Abuja, said the meeting was convened to review ongoing military strategies across different operational areas in the country.
The minister while noting that terrorists suffered heavier losses than government troops, said,
“We had a quick, short meeting with members of the services to review our strategy in all our theatres within the country. We’re all aware of the issues on the ground, but I want to assure Nigerians that members of the armed forces are working tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure,”.
Gen. Musa, who acknowledged that the military had recorded casualties in recent engagements, however noted that the terrorists were suffering greater losses.
He said “We are aware that we have suffered some casualties, but I can tell you the terrorists and bandits are taking more. We’re taking more commanders out, we’re taking more of their assets out, and we will continue to do that,”.
The minister while calling on Nigerians to continue to support their troops and not believe on the false narrative being circulated on the social media, said “We know because of the issue of social media, there are a lot of falsehoods being spread. The Armed Forces are on top of their game and we are putting in every effort to ensure the country is secured,” he said.
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He called on citizens to support security agencies by providing credible information and reporting suspicious activities.
“This challenge is a Nigerian challenge; it is not only the armed forces’ challenge. Other security agencies are also working in synergy with us,”.
The minister who appealed to the media to exercise caution in reporting security-related issues, warned that the circulation of terrorists’ videos and propaganda materials could aid their objectives.
“Please do not allow your platforms to be used to spread terrorism. When you circulate their videos and messages, you allow them to shine and use them as propaganda against our troops,”.
The minister also congratulated the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, assuring him of the military’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with the police to tackle insecurity.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly and states governors for their continued support to the armed forces,and expressed confidence that the country would ultimately overcome its security challenges.
He said,“We want to assure Nigerians that they should remain confident and determined. When you see something going wrong, do not hesitate to report it. Action will be taken as quickly as possible,”.
Musa, warned individuals providing logistics or intelligence to terrorists would be treated as accomplices.
“A friend of a thief is always a thief. Those supporting these criminals with information or logistics will be dealt with the same way we deal with the terrorists,”.
