……..Minister of Information Calls on Media to Prioritize Positive News
By Martin Odiete and Maryam Aminu
In a strategic dialogue aimed at strengthening civil-military relations, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has spotlighted the media’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency.
Speaking during the CDS Expanded Chat with Media Executives held Thursday in Abuja, Gen. Musa described the media as a frontline actor in shaping public perception, national cohesion, and the success of military campaigns.
“In modern warfare, the battleground extends beyond the trenches it now includes the hearts and minds of citizens,” the CDS stated. “Media professionals are not mere observers; they are central to constructing the narrative that drives national unity and trust.”
General Musa urged for a collaborative and responsible media approach, emphasizing objectivity and professionalism in reporting defence matters.
According to him, balanced reportage can enhance public morale and reinforce national resilience.
“The battle against misinformation and disinformation is just as critical as boots on the ground,” he noted. “Winning the perception war is key to defeating the ideological foundations of terrorism.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Information Mohammed Idris who was the Chairman of the occasion urged the Nigerian media to prioritize reporting on the country’s uniformed personnel over terrorist and criminal elements. He emphasized the media’s crucial role in nation-building and highlighted the importance of showcasing the sacrifices and efforts of security personnel.
He commended the military high command, led by General Christopher Gwabin Musa, for their commitment to national security. He highlighted several achievements, including the degradation of Boko Haram cells, decisive operations against banditry, and improved highway patrols. The minister also praised air intelligence operations that have disrupted criminal elements’ logistics and mobility.
The minister stressed that the media is a strategic partner in nation-building and should prioritize reporting on security issues that inform the public, boost morale, and support the efforts of the Nigerian armed forces. He urged the media to treat terrorist and criminal elements as enemies of the state and remove them from front-page headlines, promoting responsible reporting that supports national security efforts.
Further highlighting the military’s efforts, the Deputy Director of Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Ibrahim Abu-Mawashi, disclosed operational statistics from the past two years. He revealed that security forces had neutralized 6,260 terrorists, apprehended over 14,000 criminal elements, and rescued 5,365 civilians across various theatres of operation.
In addition, he said troops recovered hundreds of assorted weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition, further weakening the capacity of armed groups to destabilize communities.
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