General Musa Calls For Strong Military, Media Bond To Defeat Banditry, Build Lasting Peace
By Anthonia Okwuolise
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has stressed that the relationship between the Nigerian military and the media must not be seen as optional, but as an important partnership needed to win the fight against Boko Haram and other forms of insecurity in the country.
General Musa made this assertion on Wednesday while speaking at a one–day media stakeholders’ seminar held at the Nigerian Army Officers’ Mess and Suite, Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State. The seminar was the third of its kind this year and carried the theme, Consolidating Media–Military Synergy for Sustainable Peace in Nigeria. It was organized by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations.
Represented at the event by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, who also served as the chief host, General Musa said the armed forces have continued to remain focused on their constitutional duty of protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He praised the sacrifices of gallant soldiers across different parts of the country who, despite dangerous conditions, risk their lives daily to ensure the safety of citizens.
General Musa explained that military operations do not exist in isolation. According to him, victory cannot be achieved by bullets and firepower alone but must be supported by effective communication, public perception, and trust-building. This is why he emphasized that the media has a crucial role to play in providing the right narratives, discouraging propaganda, and helping in peacebuilding.
He noted that peace and security are not things that can be sustained by force alone but must be nurtured through civic engagement and responsible communication. He therefore called on journalists to see themselves as partners in national security and nation-building.
The Defence Chief also used the opportunity to commend the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and his troops for their tireless efforts in dealing with the remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the North East.
In his keynote address, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who leads the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, echoed the call for strong cooperation between the military and the media. He noted that Nigeria has faced multiple layers of security challenges, from insurgency in the North East to banditry, militancy, and communal clashes in different regions. He explained that these battles are not only fought with weapons but also in the minds of the people, where the media plays a huge role in shaping perception.
The Theatre Commander warned against misinformation, sensational reporting, and the spread of unverified news, pointing out that such practices have at times endangered military operations and put national security at risk. He called for structured and timely communication between military officials and journalists, where both sides work with clear guidelines to ensure accurate and responsible reporting.
He further suggested that journalists should receive regular training in conflict-sensitive reporting while military officers should equally be sensitized on media relations and the importance of press freedom. According to him, this kind of mutual understanding would not only make security operations more effective but would also create an environment where peace can take root and flourish.
In his goodwill message, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, represented by the Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, commended the leadership of General Musa and the Directorate of Defence Media Operations for opening channels of communication with the media. He also assured that his administration would continue to respect press freedom. However, he advised journalists in the state to always verify information before publishing and to avoid fake news, which he said undermines the fight against terrorism and weakens democratic governance.
Highlights of the event included paper presentations by experts. Professor Usman Tar, a former lecturer at the Nigerian Defence Academy, spoke on Strategic Communication as a Tool for Strengthening Civil–Military Relations in Conflict Zones. On his part, Professor Abubakar Mua’zu of the University of Maiduguri presented a paper on Ethical Journalism and Responsible Reporting in Security Matters: Building Trust for National Unity.
The seminar ended on a hopeful note, with participants agreeing that the pen and the sword must work together if Nigeria is to defeat terrorism and enjoy sustainable peace.
