The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerians to actively support the Armed Forces in its mission to eradicate violent groups and insurgents threatening the peace and stability of the nation.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum held Tuesday in Abuja, General Musa stressed that public trust, civic engagement, and responsible media narratives are vital tools in the fight against insecurity. He warned that insurgency thrives when citizens, knowingly or unknowingly, create room for dangerous elements to operate.
“Insurgents and violent groups feed off division, misinformation, and public indifference,” General Musa said. “It is crucial that Nigerians do not give space, support, or visibility to those who work against the peace of the nation. The Armed Forces need the people’s backing to win this war.”
According to Hobnob News Nigeria, the Defence Chief’s remarks were echoed by other speakers at the event, including Zakari Mijinyawa, Director of Legal Services at the Office of the National Security Adviser, who represented NSA Nuhu Ribadu. Mijinyawa emphasized that national security is a shared responsibility and not the burden of military and intelligence agencies alone.
“Communities, civil society, and the media must all play their roles. The safety of our country lies in collective action,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, paid tribute to the sacrifices of Nigeria’s Armed Forces and highlighted the pivotal role of the media in shaping public perception of the security landscape. He urged journalists to strike a balance between informing the public and avoiding sensationalism that could embolden violent actors.
“We must highlight the successes of our military forces without glorifying the acts of terror. Our narratives must empower the nation, not the enemy,” Idris advised.
The VON Forum, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, was established to foster dialogue among security stakeholders, the media, civil society groups, and citizens. This edition centered on building a united front against terrorism, fostering public trust, and promoting responsible reporting.
The call for unity comes at a time when Nigeria, particularly the North-East, continues to suffer from the devastating impacts of insurgency. Over the past decade, thousands of lives have been lost, communities destroyed, and countless citizens displaced. The most recent tragedy occurred in June, when a string of suicide bombings claimed at least 32 lives and left many others injured.
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment by all stakeholders to work collaboratively in addressing security challenges, restoring peace, and protecting the lives and dignity of all Nigerians.
