The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged state governors and local government chairpersons to enhance governance at the grassroots level as a way to tackle increasing insecurity, especially banditry and terrorism.
During a media interview with Arise TV on Monday, General Chris Musa voiced worries about the dissemination of false information concerning military activities. He observed that whenever advancements occur in counterinsurgency efforts, negative information is frequently inflated to deceive the public ¹.”
He stressed that strong governance is vital for addressing the underlying causes of insecurity and is crucial for obtaining enduring solutions to social challenges. While recognizing that it is impractical to anticipate total elimination of crime, he pointed out that effective governance establishes the foundation for tackling the root causes of insecurity.
“In numerous communities, we have found that individuals possess a basic misunderstanding of government and its function in delivering vital services.” The absence of infrastructure—like roads, water, and electricity—combined with limited economic prospects sustains poverty and hunger, rendering these regions vulnerable to exploitation. “Terrorist factions and criminal organizations take advantage of these weaknesses to enlist new members and promote disorder,” he noted.
“Effective governance is crucial in our battle against terrorism.” Local authorities, state leaders, and organizations need to collaborate to deliver infrastructure, nutrition, education, and job opportunities. “By taking these actions, we can remove the factors that enable terrorism to thrive,” General Musa stated.
In response to worries regarding alleged unintentional airstrikes, General Musa reassured the public that the military exercises extreme caution during air operations, vigilantly tracking movements to reduce collateral damage. Nevertheless, he recognized the possibility of secondary explosions from nearby weapons, bombs, and explosives that could inadvertently affect civilians.
“Finally, I want to stress the significance of human rights and responsible reporting. We have faced instances of misinformation and demoralization from international organizations. Nigeria will continue to uphold human rights and strive for a secure, prosperous future for all its citizens.”