The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has promised Nigerians of the military’s determination to deal with security problems but complained that false information was responsible for the wrong perception of the military and the rise of murder in communities.
He equally talked about the neutrality of the military and demanded for an understanding between the soldiers and host communities where they were posted to work.
The CDS disclosed this in Jos, the Plateau State capital, during a national convention/retreat on civil society/military collaboration in mitigating the crisis in north central, organized by the Middle Belt Journalists Forum, MBJF.
Represented by Brigadier-General Michael Agi, the Chief of Staff at Operation Safe Haven, OpSH, the CDS said: “You have determined to be a part of an unstoppable effort to clear either the disinformation or results of fake news, specifically on social media, which is mainly responsible for the wrong perceptions of the military and the rise of assassination in the zone.
“This convention is coming at the appropriate time when disinformation about our performance is diminishing our strong will power to end terrorism and banditry.
“Let me reassure Nigerians of the objectivity of the armed forces in tackling the worst problems facing the nation generally and the region in particular.
“I have paid attention to your grumble and we will tackle them squarely… the soldiers you see fighting for you are your soldiers, they need your assistance, specifically on information.”
On his part, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, revealed that his administration was working closely with members of the pen profession concerning promoting peaceful coexistence among the people, irrespective of any affiliation.
