Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has urged media organisations to exercise caution when reporting on security matters, warning that certain types of coverage could unintentionally amplify terrorist propaganda.
Speaking to journalists in remarks aired by Channels Television on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Musa appealed to media practitioners to refrain from publishing or circulating videos and images created by terrorist groups. According to him, such materials are often designed to gain attention and promote the activities of violent groups.
The defence minister explained that broadcasting or sharing these materials can provide extremist groups with the publicity they seek. He noted that the spread of such content on social media platforms and other channels could help the groups project strength and influence, thereby serving their propaganda objectives.
Musa also pointed out that experiences from conflicts in other parts of the world show the importance of limiting the visibility of propaganda produced by armed groups. He said many countries deliberately avoid amplifying such materials in order to prevent them from being used against security forces engaged in counter-terrorism operations.
According to the minister, the videos and images released by terrorist organisations are frequently intended to weaken the morale of troops involved in security operations. He stressed that denying these groups the opportunity to circulate their materials widely would help protect the confidence and motivation of soldiers on the front lines.
Musa therefore called on journalists to maintain high professional standards when covering security developments. He emphasised the need for responsible reporting that informs the public without inadvertently assisting violent groups in spreading their messages.
He also reiterated the federal government’s determination to confront security challenges across the country, adding that Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given security agencies a clear mandate to defeat terrorist and bandit groups. Musa assured Nigerians that the armed forces remain committed to restoring peace and stability nationwide.
Watch the video below from minutes 2:44 to 2:49: