Gen Musa advocates good Governance, warns of misinformation
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, urged state Governors and local government chairpersons to enhance governance at grassroots levels to combat rising insecurity, particularly banditry and terrorism. He emphasized that effective governance is crucial for addressing the root causes of these issues.
In a media interview with Arise TV, General Musa expressed concerns about the misinformation surrounding military operations. He noted that when progress is made in counterinsurgency efforts, exaggerated negative information often misleads the public, undermining the military’s achievements.
He stated that good governance is vital for tackling the underlying factors of insecurity, acknowledging that while complete crime eradication is unrealistic, establishing good governance is essential for long-term solutions. This approach helps address the social issues that contribute to insecurity.
General Musa highlighted that many communities lack a fundamental understanding of government roles in providing essential services. The absence of infrastructure, such as roads and electricity, along with limited economic opportunities, perpetuates poverty, making these areas vulnerable to exploitation by terrorist groups and criminal organizations.
He reiterated the importance of collaboration among local governments, governors, and institutions to provide infrastructure, food, education, and employment. This coordinated effort can eliminate the conditions that allow terrorism to thrive, ultimately enhancing community security.
Addressing concerns about accidental airstrikes, General Musa assured the public that the military exercises utmost caution during air operations.
He acknowledged the potential for collateral damage from surrounding explosives but stressed that they never deliberately target civilian populations.
“I want to be clear: we do not deliberately target civilian populations.
We make every effort to protect innocent lives,” he stated, noting that the military possesses evidence to validate its operational conduct.
He expressed concern that misinformation spread by some individuals, including traditional rulers and religious leaders, has exacerbated tensions and undermined military efforts. This misinformation often coincides with periods of military progress, raising questions about its intent.
General Musa reassured the public, stating that his team thoroughly investigates every reported incident to ensure accuracy and accountability.
He emphasized verifying information before drawing conclusions to maintain trust and prevent the spread of misinformation.
He urged patience as the military conducts its verification processes.
On the broader issue of insecurity, he noted that combating terrorism requires a comprehensive approach, with citizens collaborating to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies through education and economic development. This strategy fortifies community resilience and enhances security.
He explained that countering terrorism demands a multifaceted strategy, as adversaries are borderless and disregard human life. Terrorism transcends security concerns, intertwining with political and sabotage dimensions that some factions exploit to portray Nigeria as ungovernable.
While acknowledging positive results in counterinsurgency operations, General Musa nonetheless highlighted the ongoing threat posed by small arms.
Furthermore, he stressed the necessity of addressing this threat to ensure lasting stability and security in the region.
Furthermore, he emphasized that smugglers actively transport light weapons and drugs from neighboring countries, exacerbating the growing situation.
Consequently, this illicit trade significantly contributes to increased violence and instability in the region, prompting urgent action.
This situation underscores the need for regional cooperation to secure borders and combat illicit trafficking.
He reassured the public that Nigeria remains safe, with ongoing efforts focused on maintaining security. The recent return of both foreigners and Nigerians during the holiday season reflects significant improvements, alongside the successful surrender of many terrorists and rehabilitation programs for their reintegration.
General Musa identified the alarming trend of child recruitment by terrorist groups, stating, “Over 60,000 children have surrendered.”
He emphasized their dedication to rehabilitating these children and ensuring a safer future for all.
This commitment highlights the military’s focus on addressing the consequences of terrorism.
He emphasized the necessity for Nigeria to collaborate with neighboring countries in addressing security challenges effectively and efficiently.
This collaboration should involve intelligence sharing and the implementation of best practices to combat these security threats.
Such cooperation fosters a safer environment for all citizens, enhancing regional stability.
“We are committed to working with neighboring nations to tackle the regional dimensions of terrorism,” he affirmed.
He emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to prevent terrorist groups from finding safe havens across borders.
General Musa acknowledged the heavy casualties and increased terrorist activities in the region, which have affected local communities significantly.
He stressed that attacks are specifically designed to exploit vulnerable areas, endangering civilians and destabilizing the region further.
Gen. Musa called for unity among nations in combating these threats effectively.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending an olive branch to nations that have exited ECOWAS, emphasizing that collective efforts are essential for addressing regional security challenges.
Concluding his remarks, General Musa recognized the evolution of modern warfare, with non-state actors posing significant challenges. He advocated for a combined kinetic and non-kinetic approach to address these threats effectively.
He underscored the importance of regional cooperation in securing borders and preventing the movement of illicit arms and drugs.
“While we have made significant strides in combating terrorism in Nigeria, our efforts must be supplemented by regional collaboration”.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of working together with neighboring countries to ensure lasting peace and security.
“Finally, I want to stress the significance of human rights and responsible reporting. Nigeria will continue to uphold human rights and strive for a secure, prosperous future for all its citizens.”