Pix: General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff

By Hammed Ibrahim, Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has stated that the establishment of Armed Forces Radio has significantly curtailed the spread of propaganda, disinformation, and misinformation by terrorist groups in Nigeria.

Speaking in Abuja at the 10th anniversary celebration of the station, General Musa noted that Armed Forces Radio has become an effective tool in the military’s nonkinetic operations, complementing its combat strategies with communication and public engagement.

According to him, the station plays a vital role in fostering community dialogue, addressing social concerns, building empathy, and promoting national unity through credible information and responsible broadcasting.

Armed Forces Radio was officially launched on May 22, 2015, under the leadership of the late former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh. General Musa recalled that the vision behind the station was to create a platform that could bridge the communication gap between the military and the public while also countering hostile narratives aimed at weakening national resolve.

Over the past decade, we have witnessed the power of radio to transform lives, shape public opinion, and inspire a sense of national consciousness, he said. From its modest beginnings, Armed Forces Radio has grown into a household name, offering informative, educational, and entertaining content to a diverse audience.

The Chief of Defence Staff emphasized that the station has successfully provided clarity on military operations, promoted cultural heritage, covered both local and international news, and amplified the voices of ordinary Nigerians. Most importantly, he said, it has disrupted the efforts of those who rely on misinformation to spread fear and confusion.

In delivering quality programming, Armed Forces Radio has effectively denied oxygen to agents of falsehood and division, General Musa declared.

He added that despite the competitive media landscape in the Federal Capital Territory, the station has earned a loyal and growing listenership. Feedback from the public, he noted, has consistently underscored the station’s relevance in shaping positive narratives about the Armed Forces and Nigeria as a whole.

General Musa further highlighted the station’s contributions to cultural development, especially through indigenous music, storytelling, and community centered programming. He assured that Armed Forces Radio 107.7 FM would continue to innovate, expand its coverage, and deepen its engagement with the Nigerian public.

Our commitment to quality broadcasting, public enlightenment, and national development remains resolute, he said. We will keep encouraging our troops to prioritize national interest while also urging citizens to support security efforts by reporting useful information through appropriate channels.

The Defence Chief reiterated that Armed Forces Radio would remain a strategic voice in the country’s fight against terrorism not just with weapons, but with words that inform, unite, and inspire.