“Only Military Failures Make Headlines” – Defence Minister Criticises Media

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has expressed concern over what he described as selective reporting of military operations, saying successes recorded by troops are often ignored while failures dominate public discourse.

He made the remarks during an operational visit to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai at the Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, where he reviewed ongoing counter-insurgency activities in the North-East.

Musa disclosed that in recent coordinated offensives across key locations, troops eliminated about 80 terrorists. The operations, he said, were carried out in Malum Fatori, Damasak and Magumeri, areas that have witnessed persistent insurgent activity.

He noted that despite the harsh terrain and difficult working conditions, soldiers have continued to sustain pressure on insurgents, recording significant gains in the process.

“The troops continue to operate under difficult security and environmental conditions in the theatre,” he stated, while commending the Theatre Commander and personnel for their resilience and commitment.

The Defence Minister, however, lamented that these achievements rarely receive attention in the media. According to him, negative incidents are often amplified, creating an imbalance in how the public perceives the military’s efforts.

“It is like a goalkeeper who concedes one goal, and that alone changes the narrative of all the good saves he has made,” he said.

Musa urged Nigerians to remain supportive of the armed forces, stressing that the military remains dedicated to restoring peace and stability in the troubled region. He warned against narratives that could weaken the morale of troops on the frontlines.

He also called on journalists, especially those operating from Maiduguri, to prioritise accurate and balanced reporting. He noted that reporters within the conflict zone are in a better position to understand and present the realities on ground.