Two Years of Dedicated Leadership: General Musa Reaffirms Military’s Resolve, Calls for Stronger Media Collaboration to Tackle Insecurity

By Anthonia N. Okwuolise, Abuja

On Thursday, June 19, 2025, the atmosphere at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja was marked by reflection, appreciation, and a renewed commitment to Nigeria’s safety and stability, as the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabi Musa, held a significant parley with top media executives to commemorate his two years in office.

In a candid and open engagement, General Musa expressed deep appreciation for the role the media plays in shaping public opinion and emphasized the urgent need for stronger collaboration between the press and the Armed Forces, particularly in the ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in the country. According to him, the media is not just a channel for information, but a critical player in the overall security architecture of the nation.

Speaking passionately, the Chief of Defence Staff described modern warfare as one that extends far beyond the physical battlefield, stressing that misinformation, disinformation, and public perception are as potent as weapons. “We are not just fighting on the battlefield, we are waging a war for hearts and minds,” General Musa said. “That’s where you, the media, are crucial. The stories you tell can either inspire hope or deepen despair. The narrative you shape can boost morale or crush it.”

He called on the media to remain objective, balanced, and patriotic in their reportage, especially on security-related issues. According to him, the task of securing the country is not for the military alone but for every Nigerian, and the media stands in a unique position to unite citizens behind a shared vision of peace.

General Musa also took a moment to pay heartfelt tribute to the lives lost in tragic incidents across the country, particularly the attack in Yelwata, Benue State. He extended condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed the military’s unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and national healing.

As he marked two years of steering the affairs of the Armed Forces alongside other Service Chiefs, General Musa reflected on the journey so far. He acknowledged the challenges that came with the role but also highlighted the progress made in terms of strategy, structure, and synergy among the military branches. He paid special tribute to the late Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, whose passing left a huge void, and applauded his successor, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for bringing renewed energy and direction to the Nigerian Army.

The Chief of Defence Staff noted that Nigeria’s security threats have evolved over the years, ranging from terrorism and insurgency to banditry, kidnapping, and secessionist violence. However, he remained optimistic, pointing out that over 70 percent of today’s warfare is non-kinetic, involving intelligence, technology, diplomacy, and media.

During the parley, detailed updates on the military’s operations in the last two years were presented by Brigadier General Mohammed Dahiru Abu-Mawashi, Deputy Director of Media Operations, who represented the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye. His presentation painted a picture of intense activity, sacrifice, and significant victories across all regions of the country.

In numbers that reflect both the scale of the challenge and the courage of the troops, Brigadier General Abu-Mawashi disclosed that in the past two years, the Nigerian military has killed 6,260 terrorists, arrested 14,138 criminals, and rescued 5,365 kidnapped persons through various joint operations nationwide.

In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered crude oil and petroleum products worth over ₦83 billion, neutralised 103 criminals, and rescued 266 kidnap victims, curbing oil theft and restoring a sense of security in key areas.

In the North-East, under Operation HADIN KAI, over 1,246 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists were killed, 2,467 were arrested, and 1,920 civilians were rescued. Troops also recovered 982 firearms and 2,153 rounds of ammunition.

In the North-West, Operation FASAN YAMMA troops eliminated 1,374 bandits, arrested 2,160 suspects, rescued 3,288 hostages, and recovered 947 firearms and 25,802 rounds of ammunition.

In the North-Central, about 730 terrorists and bandits were killed, 7,153 violent extremists captured, and 1,510 civilians rescued. Troops also seized 1,065 weapons and 19,709 rounds of ammunition.

In the South-East, under Operation UDO KA, troops eliminated 440 terrorists, arrested 1,677 suspects, rescued 294 civilians, and recovered 683 weapons along with 21,300 rounds of ammunition.

And in the South-West, troops killed 80 criminals, arrested 1,763, and rescued 89 kidnapped victims during sustained operations in the region.

The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who was represented by his Special Adviser (Technical), retired Major General Ahmed Tijani Jibrin, delivered a powerful keynote address. He reminded everyone that national security is not just the duty of the military, but a collective responsibility that rests on every citizen.

“The media is a veritable backbone of the nation and a vital bridge between the government and the public,” he said. He urged journalists to remain professional, balanced, and truthful in their reports, especially when dealing with issues that concern national security and unity. “With this responsibility comes the need for balanced reportage and a commitment to the national interest above all else.”

The Minister acknowledged that, despite some negative narratives, the military has recorded clear, tangible successes in reversing the tide of insecurity. He commended the leadership of the Armed Forces for their strategic thinking, pragmatism, and dedication, urging them not to relent in their efforts until every part of Nigeria is safe and secure.

The engagement concluded with a renewed sense of partnership between the military and the media, built on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a common goal, making Nigeria a safer, stronger, and more united country.