The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerians to support the Armed Forces in its quest to rid the country of violent groups and insurgents.

General Musa made this appeal on Tuesday at the first Voice of Nigeria, VON, Forum in Abuja, stressing the need for trust, civic engagement, and responsible narratives as keys to addressing insecurity.

The defence chief explained that insurgency tends to grow when citizens provide space, support, or visibility to those working against national peace.

Similarly, the Director of Legal Services at the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, Zakari Mijinyawa, who represented the NSA Nuhu Ribadu emphasised that security was not the sole responsibility of the military or intelligence agencies.

On his part, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, recognised the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and emphasised the role of the media.

Idris urged journalists to focus on the achievements of the military while avoiding excessive coverage of terrorist activities.

The forum, organised by Voice of Nigeria in partnership with the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, aims to create space for open dialogue among security institutions, the media, civil society, and citizens.

Recall that for over a decade, Nigeria’s North-East zone has been under attack by marauding terrorists.

Thousands have been killed, even more persons injured, abducted, or displaced, the latest being in June when dark-hearted suicide bombers killed at least 32 persons, with scores injured.