The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has emphasized that achieving national security in Nigeria requires more than military operations, which account for only 30% of the effort.
General Musa made this assertion during the Roundtable Discussion on Nigeria’s Security and National Interest, organized by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser, in collaboration with Defence Correspondents, in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “National Security and National Interest: A Development Journalism Approach for the Defence Beat,” the CDS highlighted the importance of expanding the definition of national security beyond military strength to include broader social, economic, and environmental factors.
He said, “National security entails protecting our nation’s core values, institutions, and citizens from external and internal threats, while national interest encompasses the goals guiding our nation’s actions and decisions.
General Musa advocated for a development journalism approach that promotes public awareness and understanding of defence and security issues while holding stakeholders accountable.
“National security cannot solely rely on the Armed Forces but must be supported by an educated, healthy, and socially cohesive population,” he said. He underscored the need for collaboration between journalists and media organizations to foster national cohesion and stability.
General Musa outlined the importance of tailoring defence reporting through a development journalism lens. Key strategies include:
Prioritizing human security
He emphasized that such practices will build trust and cooperation among the military, civil society, and other stakeholders, enhancing the understanding of local dynamics and fostering effective collaboration.
“My leadership concept is to nurture a professional Armed Forces that is people-centric and capable of fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities in a joint and collaborative environment,” he added
National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, commended the media for its contribution to security reportage. He assured continued collaboration to prevent terrorists from gaining undue publicity.
“The objective of this roundtable is to foster an open exchange of ideas to enhance understanding of terrorism dynamics, ethical reporting considerations, and opportunities for collaboration among journalists, security experts, and policymakers,” Laka said.
The discussion aimed to develop a national strategic communication plan for reporting terrorism and violent extremism, strengthening efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s security and national interests.
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