The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged Nigerians to actively support the Armed Forces in the ongoing fight against insurgency, banditry, and other violent groups threatening national peace and security.
Speaking at the inaugural Voice of Nigeria (VON) Security Forum held in Abuja on Tuesday, General Musa stressed the importance of public trust, civic responsibility, and responsible narratives in countering terrorism and insecurity across the country.
“Insurgents thrive when citizens create space, provide support, or amplify their visibility,” the CDS warned. He called on the public to work in synergy with the military and security agencies to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Representing the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, the Director of Legal Services in the NSA’s office, Zakari Mijinyawa, reiterated that security is not the sole responsibility of the military and intelligence agencies. “Every Nigerian has a role to play in securing our nation,” he stated.
Also speaking at the forum, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, acknowledged the sacrifices of Nigerian soldiers and urged the media to report more on military successes rather than amplifying terrorist acts.
The forum, a collaborative effort between Voice of Nigeria and the Ministry of Information, brought together stakeholders from security institutions, civil society, the media, and the general public to discuss strategies for national security.
Nigeria’s fight against terrorism has spanned over a decade, particularly in the North-East, where insurgent attacks have claimed thousands of lives and displaced many. Despite gains made by the military, cross-border challenges and deadly attacks—like the June suicide bombings that killed at least 32 people—continue to complicate the mission.
General Musa concluded by reaffirming the military’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria, calling for collective responsibility and a united front in the war against terrorism.
