The chief of civil-military relations, Nigerian Army, Major Gen. Murkus Kangye says the giant strides recorded by the Nigerian Army in the war against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and others were not celebrated by the media.
He stated this on Wednesday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, during the 14th edition of the Social Influencers seminar themed, “The Evolving Role of the Social Media in Support of the Nigerian Army Non-Kinetic Line of Operations”.
He alleged most media outlets preferred to sensationalise issues rather than celebrate gallantry.
This, he said, gave credence to the activities of criminals and boost their morale.
“I make bold to inform this gathering that the Nigerian Army is making giant strides in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other forms of criminality in the country. Unfortunately, such efforts are always under-reported thereby undermining the unrelenting efforts and sacrifices of our selfless soldiers at tackling insecurity.
“Conversely, most media houses prefer to propagate sensitive reportage that scares and attracts negative attention rather than headlines geared towards celebrating the gallantry and efforts of our troops.
“Such acts give credence to the activities of criminals as well as boost their morale and confidence to commit more crimes,” he said.
Kangye explained that the situation where criminals are encouraged to surrender does not mean that they would not be prosecuted for the crime they committed.
He urged Nigerians not to perceive their humane reception of repentant Boko Haram insurgents negatively.
He said, “The recent surrendering of Boko Haram insurgents and the humane reception by the Nigerian military have been perceived negatively by the online community and by extension Nigerians.
“However, this development ought to be a testimony of the effectiveness of the efforts put in place by the military to defeat the insurgency. It is essential to note that tackling insecurity generally involves the use of kinetic and non-kinetic methods.
“These methods are complementary and the fact that criminals are encouraged to surrender does not mean they will evade prosecutions for crimes committed,” he explained.
Study @ Achievers University
