The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has appealed to Nigerians to join forces with the Armed Forces in their ongoing battle against insurgents and violent groups across the country.
Speaking at the inaugural Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum held in Abuja on Tuesday, General Musa emphasized that trust, civic engagement, and responsible narratives are crucial elements in addressing Nigeria's security challenges.
"Insurgency thrives when citizens provide space, support, or visibility to those working against national peace," the Defence Chief explained, highlighting the importance of public cooperation in combating security threats.
Collective Responsibility for National Security
Zakari Mijinyawa, Director of Legal Services at the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), represented NSA Nuhu Ribadu at the forum. He reinforced the message that security is not solely the responsibility of military or intelligence agencies but requires collective effort from all Nigerians.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces and emphasized the critical role of the media in national security matters. He urged journalists to focus on military achievements while exercising restraint in covering terrorist activities to avoid inadvertently amplifying their message.
The forum, jointly organized by Voice of Nigeria and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, aims to foster open dialogue among security institutions, media organizations, civil society groups, and citizens.
Ongoing Security Challenges
BenriNews reports that the event highlighted unity, trust, and shared responsibility as fundamental components in building a more secure Nigeria.
For over a decade, Nigeria's North-East region has endured attacks from terrorist groups, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. The most recent major attack occurred in June when suicide bombers killed at least 32 people and injured many others.
The forum comes at a critical time as security forces continue their efforts to restore peace and stability across affected regions of the country.
