The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has said misinformation is to blame for the wrong perception of the military and the upsurge of killings in communities.
The CDS made this statement in Jos, Plateau State, during a national convention/retreat on civil society/military partnership in mitigating crises in North Central, organized by the Middle Belt Journalists Forum, MBJF.
Musa said the military was neutral and asked for an understanding between the soldiers and host communities where they were posted to work.
The CDS, who was represented by the Chief of Staff at Operation Safe Haven, OPSH, Brigadier-General Michael Agi, said: “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, in his remarks, said his administration was working closely with members of the pen profession towards promoting peaceful coexistence among the people, irrespective of any affiliation.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Information and Communication, Samuel Tsoho, the governor disclosed that a committee that would chart a way of returning internally displaced persons, IDPs, to their original place of abode was in place.
Misinformation demoralizing military’s fight against terrorism — CDS