Emmanuel Daudu
In a landmark engagement with top media professionals in Abuja, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has reiterated the unwavering dedication of the Armed Forces to national security, transparency, and inclusive collaboration with the media.
The expanded media chat, which coincided with the CDS’s two-year anniversary in office alongside other service chiefs, provided a platform for direct dialogue between military leadership and media stakeholders.
It was attended by prominent dignitaries, including federal ministers, security agency heads, and influential media executives.
Welcoming participants, General Musa described the session as a crucial moment for reflection, transparency, and unity. “It’s not just a milestone, it’s a reaffirmation of our shared responsibility in the pursuit of peace and national cohesion,” he said.
He stressed that this interaction aimed to foster public trust, present operational scorecards, and enhance cooperation with information gatekeepers.
Paying tribute to victims of violence in states like Yobe and Benue, General Musa expressed deep condolences and reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to peace restoration and national healing.
“These attacks are not just numbers to us they are personal losses,” he stated.
Looking back at the military’s journey under his leadership, the CDS highlighted the significant challenges the Armed Forces have navigated, from insurgency and terrorism to secessionist threats and banditry.
He acknowledged the passing of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, as a great loss and praised his successor, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for sustaining progress.
General Musa emphasized that modern security challenges demand a multi-stakeholder approach. “Today’s battlefield is also psychological. Perception shapes reality, and in this regard, the media plays a decisive role,” he noted.
He urged journalists to promote national interest by reporting responsibly and truthfully, reminding them that their narratives can either boost or break morale.
He revealed that over 70% of current military efforts rely on non-kinetic strategies, further underlining the importance of media partnership in shaping narratives. “We want the media to ask the hard questions, but also to understand the broader context. We are open, accountable, and united in purpose,” Musa added.
Thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “unprecedented support,” the CDS praised the administration’s commitment to security, referencing the President’s recent visit to Benue for an on-the-ground assessment.
He also commended the Defence and Information ministries for backing the Armed Forces’ transparency efforts.
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, also addressed the gathering, appealing to journalists to align with national priorities. “Our media must no longer amplify the messages of terror,” he said firmly.
The Minister applauded the Armed Forces’ strategic engagement with the press, especially for creating platforms for honest dialogue and information exchange.
He shared an emotional response to footage of wounded soldiers shown during the event, highlighting the courage and sacrifice of a female officer who lost a leg yet continued to serve with pride.
“These are the real heroes,” he said. “And it’s time we shift our editorial lens to reflect that. Celebrating terrorists on front pages not only demoralizes our troops but emboldens enemies of the state.”
He reminded media professionals of their ethical duty in preserving national unity. “Words have power. Headlines matter. We must choose what we amplify wisely,” he added.
The Minister commended the Armed Forces for their gallantry and resilience, urging continued synergy between the media and security institutions.
He affirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering support for peace-building efforts, calling the engagement a symbolic step toward a safer, stronger Nigeria.
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