Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has addressed the media in Abuja, urging them to cease providing extensive coverage of ongoing protests.
These protests, which began on Thursday, were organized by groups expressing discontent over economic hardships in the country.
General Musa emphasized that the media's focus on these protests was unwarranted, stating, "I noticed that all the stations were hooked up to the protests the other day. The media should not do this. This is not an election."
He expressed disappointment with the outcome of the protests, noting that they had degenerated from peaceful demonstrations into chaotic events dominated by criminal activities.
"We don’t give them that coverage for them to feel. Some people just want to be on the screen. They are a bunch of people who believe it is only through the protest that they will be able to loot, steal, and destroy," he remarked.
The CDS confirmed that security forces, including the Nigeria Police Force and the military, had arrested many individuals responsible for the chaos. He assured the public of continued support from law enforcement agencies and mentioned that phone numbers would be provided for reporting suspicious activities.
Despite the government's commitment to allowing free association, General Musa criticized the media for their role in amplifying the protests. He urged Nigerians to recognize the federal government's efforts to address economic and security challenges, highlighting the professionalism displayed by security forces during the protests.
"The security forces, especially the Nigeria Police Force, have shown a lot of professionalism, including where members of the armed forces had to step in. We have remained professional in our conduct and will continue to do so as long as the citizens understand the difference between peace and criminality," he stated.
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