CSGG: Propaganda Campaign Against Nigeria’s Defence Leadership Will Fail

CSGG: Propaganda Campaign Against Nigeria’s Defence Leadership Will Fail

The Citizens Support for Good Governance (CSGG) has strongly condemned what it described as a coordinated propaganda campaign orchestrated by conflict entrepreneurs and enemies of Nigeria aimed at discrediting the nation’s security architecture and undermining public confidence in the Armed Forces.

In a firm statement released to the press, the group declared that recent narratives targeting the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, are deliberate distortions designed to shift attention away from the steady progress being recorded in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

CSGG stated unequivocally that General Musa is not the problem of Nigeria’s defence structure but a central part of the solution. According to the organization, certain vested interests that previously benefited from instability and prolonged insecurity are now uncomfortable with ongoing reforms, improved military coordination, and intensified operations against criminal networks.

“These conflict profiteers are struggling to fight back because the system is no longer serving their selfish interests,” the statement noted.

“Having realized they are losing influence, their remaining strategy is to manufacture propaganda, spread misinformation, and attempt to weaken national morale.”

The group emphasized that modern security threats are often accompanied by psychological and information warfare, where false narratives are weaponized to create distrust between citizens and national institutions.

CSGG warned that such tactics must be recognized for what they are: desperate attempts to distract the public and politicize sensitive security matters.

Bobai: Minister’s Mandate Is Strategic and Supervisory
Adding his voice, Hon. Victor Mathew Bobai, Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the Governor of Kaduna State and Convener of the Tinubu–Uba Leadership Network, clarified misconceptions surrounding the Minister’s responsibilities.

According to Bobai, in his inaugural message, the Honourable Minister appealed to Nigerians to give the Defence institution adequate time to restructure its operations and harmonize major operational procedures for greater effectiveness.

He explained that the Minister’s current mandate is largely supervisory and strategic, unlike his previous role as Chief of Defence Staff where he had direct operational command.

“The current structure places operational deployment authority directly under Mr. President, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” Bobai stated.

“Troop deployment in areas of urgent national attention follows constitutional procedures and strategic directives at the highest level of command.”

Bobai further noted that there may be a need for constitutional and legislative adjustments that would strengthen institutional coordination and ensure faster operational procedures where necessary.

He stressed that blaming General Musa for operational decisions beyond his direct mandate is misleading and unfair.

“His service records are visible and verifiable. Those working to ensure he does not succeed ignore the enormous personal sacrifices he has made to defend this great nation,” he added.
“He has consistently demonstrated capacity, resilience, and unwavering determination to keep Nigeria safe.”

Bobai also highlighted recent improvements in welfare packages, benefits, and morale-boosting initiatives for security personnel under the Minister’s supervision, describing them as critical reforms aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness and commitment to national service.

He described attempts by individuals acting on behalf of hidden interests to discredit the Defence leadership as unfortunate and counterproductive.
“We have full confidence in General Musa and strongly believe that the war against terrorism will succeed under his leadership,” Bobai concluded.
National Security Should Not Be Politicized

CSGG reiterated that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and longstanding, requiring institutional reforms, strategic coordination, and sustained political will efforts it said are being strengthened under the current defence leadership.

“Those pushing conspiracy theories seek to divide national unity and discredit ongoing reforms. However, patriotic Nigerians understand that rebuilding security institutions is a process that demands professionalism, discipline, and continuity,” the group added.

The organization issued a strong warning to individuals and groups it described as “conflict entrepreneurs” to desist from sponsoring politically motivated attacks against the leadership of the Armed Forces.

They cautioned that continued attempts to politicize national security and sabotage public trust could provoke firm civic resistance and widespread public rebuttal.

CSGG therefore urged citizens, media stakeholders, and political actors to remain vigilant against manipulation, emphasizing that national security should never be reduced to sensational narratives or politically motivated accusations.

Reaffirming its stance, the organization expressed full confidence in the Defence Minister’s leadership and reiterated that attempts to portray him as the source of Nigeria’s security challenges are misleading and counterproductive.

Statement Endorsed By:
• Hon. Victor Mathew Bobai
SSA Public Affairs to the Governor of Kaduna State
Convener, Tinubu–Uba Leadership Network

• Dr. Olayinka Adeosun Olumide
National Coordinator, Citizens Support for Good Governance (CSGG)

• Hon. Danbaba Hamisu Malunfashi
Northwest Director, CSGG

• Hon. Gorge Donald Jackson
Southeast Coordinator, CSGG

• Hajiya Mariam Audu
Maiduguri Leader, Women Support for Renewed Hope Agenda

The leaders warned conflict merchants to immediately stop sponsoring politically motivated attacks against General Musa, stressing that such actions undermine national unity and military morale.

They emphasized that patriotic citizens will continue to defend Nigeria’s institutions against disinformation and politically engineered smear campaigns.

CSGG concluded by calling for unity and responsible public discourse, stressing that national resilience and institutional trust remain critical weapons against both terrorism and disinformation.