........THE MASSES ADVOCATE..... FG Urges Media: Don't Let Terrorists Dominate Headlines

      FG Urges Media: Don't Let Terrorists Dominate Headlines

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has issued a strong plea to Nigerian media organizations, urging them to deprioritize the coverage of terrorists, bandits, and other criminal syndicates on their front pages and in prime news slots. This appeal comes as the government emphasizes the need for responsible and nation-focused security reporting, particularly in light of the significant sacrifices made by the armed forces.

Undue Prominence for Criminals Decried:

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, made the impassioned appeal during a recent engagement in Abuja. The event brought together military high command, media leaders, and other stakeholders to mark the second year in office for the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and the Service Chiefs.

Minister Malagi expressed his concern over the media's tendency to prioritize news of criminal elements over the commendable efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. "The personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria are doing so much and sacrificing their lives… It is, however, not encouraging to me when I see the Nigerian media prioritizing the news of terrorists and other criminal elements over and above what our men and women in uniform are doing," he stated.

He further emphasized that such prominence inadvertently serves the agenda of adversaries. "It is not useful when our front pages are ceded to these criminal elements. Let us take them off our space; let us take them off our front pages… They don't deserve it; they should be treated for what they are – they are the enemies of this country, and we must treat them as such."

Military Achievements Highlighted

While appealing for media restraint, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) presented a robust overview of the military's achievements over the past two years. Troops deployed across various

 operational theaters have:

 * Eliminated 6,260 criminals

 * Apprehended 14,138 suspects

 * Rescued 5,365 abducted victims

 * Recovered stolen crude oil valued at N83 billion

Specifically, in the Niger Delta, the Joint Task Force, South-South Operation Delta Safe, recovered N83 billion worth of stolen crude and other petroleum products, killed 103 criminals, arrested 2,760 suspects, and rescued 266 kidnapped civilians within the period.

A Renewed Vigor in Combating Insecurity

Minister Malagi underscored that the past two years have seen a "strategic recalibration in the security architecture." He acknowledged that while challenges persist, there is a "renewed vigor," "renewed commitment," and "new cohesion and unity" within the armed forces to win the war against insecurity. He conveyed President Bola Tinubu's commendation for their "unshakable commitment, discipline, and patriotism."

The Minister also assured the military of President Tinubu's continued support, not only through arms and equipment but also via policies aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering, enhancing interagency collaboration, and promoting the welfare of service personnel and their families.

A Unified Approach to Threats

Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, acknowledged the nation's struggle with "adaptive and unconventional threats" from non-state actors, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and secessionist violence. He stressed the necessity of a "comprehensive, multidimensional, and multidisciplinary approach," highlighting the military's adoption of the "Whole-of-Society Approach," which emphasizes synergy among the military, government institutions, and the populace.

General Musa affirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria's determination to overcome these challenges and urged citizens not to despair, even in the face of temporary setbacks.