By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, says Nigeria’s military still maintains control over insecurity in spite of renewed terrorist and bandit attacks in the North East.
Musa gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja after a strategic meeting with Service Chiefs and senior military officers to review operational strategies across various theatres of operation nationwide.
He said the meeting was convened to assess the current security situation and strengthen ongoing efforts to defeat terrorists and other criminal elements threatening national security.
“We had a quick meeting with members of the services to review our strategy in all our theatres within the country.
“We are aware of the issues on ground, but I want to assure Nigerians that members of the Armed Forces are working tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure,” he said.
The minister acknowledged that the military had recorded some casualties in the course of operations, but stressed that terrorists and bandits were suffering heavier losses.
“We know we have suffered some casualties, but I can tell you the terrorists and bandits are taking more.
“We are taking out more of their commanders and destroying their assets, and we will continue to do that,” he added.
Musa urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies, noting that tackling insecurity required a whole-of-government and society approach.
He warned against the spread of false information on social media, stressing that misinformation could undermine security efforts and affect troop morale.
According to him, citizens should always verify security-related information with the Armed Forces rather than rely on unverified online reports.
The minister also appealed to media organisations to exercise professionalism and avoid amplifying terrorist propaganda through the circulation of videos and materials produced by criminal groups.
“When you use their videos and pictures, you give them the opportunity to shine and use it as propaganda to demoralise our troops,” he said.
Musa further urged Nigerians to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies and warned that individuals providing information or logistics support to terrorists would be treated as accomplices.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continued support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies, while also congratulating the new Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
He assured the new IGP of strong collaboration in addressing security challenges.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting comes at a time when there is a resurgence of terrorists and bandits attack in the North Eastern part of the country
The military has in the last one week, lost a number of personnel while holding grounds against the insurgents.
In the same vein, scores of terrorists and their commanders have been eliminated in recent operations across the theatre. (NAN)