Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has identified misinformation as a significant factor contributing to the misperception of the military’s role and the escalating violence in communities.
Speaking at a national convention/retreat on civil society/military partnership in mitigating crises in North Central, organized by the Middle Belt Journalists Forum (MBJF) in Jos, Plateau State, Gen. Musa emphasised the need for understanding between soldiers and host communities.
Represented by Brigadier-General Michael Agi, Chief of Staff at Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Gen. Musa stated, “You have resolved to be a part of a sustainable effort to clear either the misinformation or effects of fake news, especially in the social media, which is largely accountable for the wrong perceptions of the military and the escalations of killings in the region.
“This retreat is coming at the right time when misinformation about our operations is undermining our strong determination to end terrorism and banditry.
“Let me assure Nigerians of the neutrality of the armed forces in dealing with ugly challenges facing the nation generally and the region in particular.’’
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, echoed the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence.
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Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Information and Communication, Samuel Tsoho, the governor disclosed the establishment of a committee focused on the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their original places of abode.
