The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, on Wednesday stated terrorists and bandits working throughout Nigeria have suffered heavier losses than authorities troops, because the Armed Forces intensify operations throughout numerous battle zones.
Talking after a short technique assembly with service chiefs in Abuja, Musa assured Nigerians that the army stays dedicated to restoring peace and safety throughout the nation.
In accordance with him, the assembly was convened to assessment ongoing army methods in several operational theatres nationwide.
“We had a fast assembly with members of the providers to assessment our technique in all our theatres inside the nation. We’re all conscious of the problems on the bottom, however I wish to guarantee Nigerians that members of the armed forces are working tirelessly to make sure that Nigeria is secure and safe,” he stated.
The defence minister acknowledged that the army had suffered casualties in latest operations however harassed that terrorists and bandits had recorded larger losses.
“We’re conscious that now we have suffered some casualties, however I can inform you the terrorists and bandits are taking extra. We’re taking extra commanders out, we’re destroying extra of their belongings, and we’ll proceed to try this,” he added.
Musa urged Nigerians to not be discouraged by misinformation circulating on social media, noting that false narratives might undermine the morale of safety personnel.
“We all know that due to social media there are plenty of falsehoods being unfold. The Armed Forces are on prime of their recreation and we’re placing in each effort to make sure the nation is secured,” he stated.
He additionally referred to as on residents to assist safety companies by offering credible info and promptly reporting suspicious actions.
“This problem is a Nigerian problem; it isn’t solely the Armed Forces’ problem. Different safety companies are additionally working in synergy with us,” he famous.
Musa additional congratulated the Inspector-Common of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assuring him of the army’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with the police in tackling insecurity.
The minister additionally appealed to the media to train warning in reporting safety issues, warning that sharing terrorists’ movies and propaganda supplies might advance their goals.
“Please don’t enable your platforms for use to unfold terrorism. Once you flow into their movies and messages, you enable them to shine and use them as propaganda towards our troops,” he stated.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Nationwide Meeting and state governors for his or her continued assist to the armed forces, expressing optimism that the nation would overcome its safety challenges.
“We wish to guarantee Nigerians that they need to stay assured and decided. Once you see one thing going improper, don’t hesitate to report it. Motion will probably be taken as shortly as potential,” he added.
The defence minister additionally warned people offering info or logistical assist to terrorists that they might be handled as accomplices.
“A good friend of a thief is all the time a thief. These supporting these criminals with info or logistics will probably be handled the identical means we take care of the terrorists,” he stated.
In latest weeks, terrorists have launched coordinated assaults on a number of army bases, resulting in the deaths of troopers and commanding officers who died whereas confronting the attackers.