By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to national security, transparency, and civil-military partnership, while urging media professionals to play a constructive role in shaping public perception and promoting national unity. He made this known during the expanded defence headquarters media chat which marked his two-year milestone and that of the service chiefs under his astute leadership, where he addressed a gathering of media executives, service chiefs, top government functionaries, and security stakeholders.
Describing the occasion as a “cherished privilege,” General Musa welcomed guests on behalf of the officers, men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He noted that the high-level interaction was not only timely but deeply significant as it marked exactly two years since he and other service chiefs were appointed to steer the country’s military architecture through one of the most turbulent periods in its recent history. According to him, the session was deliberately designed to foster direct interaction with the media, present a factual scorecard of military achievements, and build deeper understanding between the Armed Forces, the press, and the Nigerian public.
General Musa extended his appreciation to key dignitaries in attendance, including the Minister of Defence, the Minister of State for Defence, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, service chiefs, heads of security agencies, media executives, retired officers, and members of the public. He acknowledged the weight of their busy schedules and thanked them for finding time to honour the invitation, describing their presence as a strong testament to their support for transparency, peace, and national progress.
In an emotional moment, the CDS paid tribute to victims of recent attacks in parts of the country, particularly in Yobe, Benue and other troubled areas. He extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Armed Forces to the families and communities affected by the violence, noting that such acts of senseless bloodshed weigh heavily on the hearts of all military personnel. He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain fully committed to restoring peace, rebuilding trust, and ensuring the stability of the entire federation.
Reflecting on the Armed Forces’ operational journey, General Musa recalled the charge given to the service chiefs two years ago by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to navigate the nation through one of the most difficult security environments in its history. He described the period as demanding yet transformative, marked by coordinated responses to terrorism, insurgency, secessionist violence, banditry and organised criminality. The CDS expressed sadness over the loss of his colleague, former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away in November 2024, and commended the new Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for continuing the fight and delivering visible relief to communities across Nigeria.
General Musa emphasised that the nature of Nigeria’s security threats requires a multidisciplinary and unified national approach. He stated that the Armed Forces have adopted a whole-of-society strategy, one that places the military, government institutions, and the general public in collaborative synergy as equal partners in the security process. He added that today’s warfare is no longer fought on the battlefield alone but in the minds of the people, where perception, narrative, and trust are as powerful as weapons. In that light, he stressed the critical role of the media as a frontline partner in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations.
He noted that while military operations are ongoing across multiple theatres, more than 70% of modern strategic warfare now relies on non-kinetic approaches. In this area, he said, the media is not just a supporting actor but a central player. He urged media executives to be professional, objective, and nation-focused in their reporting, reminding them that how the media portrays military operations greatly influences national morale, international perception, and the general will to win.
Speaking further, the CDS emphasised that the Armed Forces are open, accountable and dedicated to the protection of lives and property across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He highlighted that one of the main goals of the engagement was to give a transparent account of ongoing operations and allow for an open-ended dialogue with the press. According to him, this type of mutual engagement would enable the media to ask tough questions and receive clear, resourceful answers from the leadership of the military.
He urged Nigerians not to despair in the face of present challenges, saying, “Defeat is only temporary, victory is forever.” He expressed strong optimism that Nigeria will overcome its current security challenges and emerge stronger. The CDS also praised the sacrifice and resilience of military personnel who continue to defend the nation at great personal risk. He encouraged the media and the public to always remember the humanity of those in uniform, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and spouses who put their lives on the line daily for Nigeria’s peace.
In closing, General Musa extended sincere appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for what he described as “unprecedented support” to the Armed Forces. He recalled the President’s recent visit to Benue state for on-the-ground security assessments, describing it as a strong signal of executive commitment to ending insecurity. He also thanked the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Information for their unwavering backing, and called on all stakeholders including media houses, government institutions and citizens to continue working together to build a secure, united and prosperous Nigeria where every citizen can thrive and enjoy the dividends of democracy.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, made a passionate appeal to media practitioners across the country to align firmly with Nigeria’s Armed Forces in the war against insurgency, banditry, and other security threats, stressing that the media must no longer amplify the voices or actions of terrorists.
The Minister lauded the military’s ongoing efforts not only in combating threats on the battlefield but also in reaching out to the media and public to foster mutual understanding and trust. He specifically praised General Musa for acknowledging the vital role the media plays in shaping national perception and morale in times of war and insecurity.
The Minister further expressed gratitude for the military’s willingness to engage directly with media leaders, and for creating platforms such as the expanded media chat to bridge the gap between operations on the ground and public discourse. He commended the Armed Forces for their renewed openness, dedication to transparency, and for embracing a people-focused approach in security communications.
Addressing an audience that included the service chiefs, top brass of the Armed Forces, senior government officials, representatives of security agencies, and heads of media institutions such as the Nigerian Television Authority, Radio Nigeria, Voice of Nigeria, and the News Agency of Nigeria, the Minister underscored the collective role of information managers in advancing national security objectives. He recognized the presence of prominent editors, columnists, and broadcast professionals, describing them as the custodians of national narrative who must understand the weight their editorial choices carry.
In an emotionally charged moment, the Minister reacted to video clips of wounded soldiers displayed during the event, saying he was deeply moved by the courage and hope expressed by injured military personnel, including a female officer who lost her leg in the line of duty. He revealed that the officer was not only still serving with pride, but was also a mother and wife, pointing to the human cost of national security that is often underreported or overlooked. He remarked that despite their injuries, none of the soldiers shown gave in to despair or regret, but continued to embody patriotism and resolve.
He said the commitment of these officers must serve as a moral compass for both the government and the media, reminding all Nigerians of the sacrifice and dedication it takes to secure the nation. He urged the press not to fall into the trap of sensationalism or inadvertently celebrating criminality by giving front-page prominence or airtime to terrorists and bandits. He noted that the trend of making headlines out of the actions of enemies of the state not only undermines morale but emboldens violent actors.
According to him, “It is not encouraging when I see the Nigerian media prioritizing the news of terrorists and criminal elements over what our men and women in uniform are doing. They are working for Nigeria. They are fighting for us. You cannot side with the enemy.” He urged journalists and media owners to take terrorists off the front pages, remove them from the headlines, and instead celebrate the patriotism and progress being made by Nigeria’s armed forces and security personnel.
The Minister emphasized that it is not only a matter of editorial judgment, but one of national responsibility and ethical duty. He said the media must recognize that its words and framing shape public sentiment and global impressions, adding that the fight for national unity, peace, and stability is not the job of soldiers alone, but one in which every journalist has a role to play.
In highlighting the broader context of the gathering, the Minister noted that the event symbolized two years of recalibration and renewed cohesion in the security architecture of Nigeria. While acknowledging that the challenges are not fully behind us, he noted significant gains in coordination, strategy, and visible improvements in security outcomes. He credited the military for embracing inter-agency collaboration, community engagement, and strategic communication as essential tools in modern warfare.
He concluded by saluting the gallantry of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, acknowledging the sacrifice of both fallen and serving heroes, and urging continued synergy between the military and the media. He praised the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support to the Armed Forces and assured the public that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its pursuit of a peaceful, united, and prosperous Nigeria.
The engagement is part of the Defence Headquarters’ ongoing initiative to deepen civil-military relations, strengthen institutional trust, and ensure accurate representation of the Armed Forces’ activities in the national media space.
