Insecurity: CDS, Musa urges media, citizens to prioritize national interest, patriotic zeal

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has called for a shift towards non-kinetic methods to tackle security challenges in the country and increased patriotic zeal. Musa also called for citizens’ involvement in the fight against terrorism and criminality.

The CDS who spoke at a one-day media seminar organized by the Defence Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DECAN), in Abuja, stressed on prioritizing national interest as well as values. He noted that there was a the need to win the hearts and minds of citizens to compliment the military’s kinetic means of combating terrorism and criminality across the country.

Musa, in the same vein, highlighted the importance of positive national discourse and the role of all sectors of society in defeating security threats.

“There must be a nation before you can even discuss it, and that is very critical. We must learn how to be positive about our country; that’s the only way we can produce.” He said.

He also assured that the federal government would continue to provide the armed forces and security agencies with the necessary resources despite economic challenges.

Also speaking, Major General Garba Wahab (rtd), the Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, called for the inclusion of journalists in the planning and execution of military operations to counter negative reports on security activities.

He emphasised the need to address biased reporting that undermines national security and interest.

Rear Admiral Yaninu Musa (rtd), the Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, identified challenges such as the malicious use of artificial intelligence, lack of collaboration among security agencies, and scarce resources as significant obstacles to effective security management in the country.

He stressed the need for collective efforts to address these challenges and strive for improvement.

The discussions at the seminar shed light on the complexities of security management in Nigeria and the importance of a multi-faceted approach that includes collaboration with various sectors of society. As the country grapples with security threats, the emphasis on non-kinetic approaches and the call for positive national discourse signals a shift in the military’s approach to addressing security challenges.

In his remarks, the Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Edward Buba, harped on putting national interest first by all citizens. He noted that apart from the NYSC there is yet any other institution that drives the national interest and values message. He said the country needs at this time to celebrate its challenges. He also commended the media for organizing the workshop.

Resource persons took turn to give diverse perspectives to media contents on supporting the armed forces to tackle terrorism in the country.