Army cautions media on negative reports

The Nigerian Army on Monday cautioned media practitioners in the country against negative reports that would hamper the ongoing war against terrorism in the North East.

Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, stated this while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri.

Ezugwu said that the call became imperative because the media had great role to play in the success of the anti-terror war.

"Nigeria must defeat ; for us to be able to make progress, the media has a role to play in this.

"What you tell the people should be positive, so we can get maximum support from them,’’ he said.

Ezugwu said that the military had recorded tremendous successes against the terrorists lately.

"I was privileged to be with the troops some few days ago in Sambisa, they are very professional in their approach to the task and objectives given to them.

"So far so good, they are on top of the situation, it is a very different ball game now,’’ he said.

Ezugwu added: "Troops are better equipped, well coordinated, with the Air Force playing its role too.

"We have our information moving from the air to ground forces, the teams are working in synergy and the result is very obvious.’’

The GOC however lamented that some media reports had been discouraging on the issue.

"What we want you to do for us is please be very positive towards our course and towards the anti-insurgency fight that we are conducting,’’ Ezugwu said.