Nigeria's defence minister, Christopher Musa, has announced that the government is making deliberate efforts to include selected social media influencers in military operations across conflict-affected regions. This move aims to give influencers firsthand insight into the challenges and realities faced by troops on the frontlines.
Minister's Statement at Defence Conference
Musa disclosed this at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 held on Saturday, June 13, in Abuja. He argued that contemporary security challenges can no longer be addressed through military operations alone. The minister emphasised that terrorism has become an increasingly complex threat requiring collective national action.
He stated: "I've seen of recent a lot of social media giants going around trying to raise protests. Nobody is stopping anyone from protesting. But we should always remember the unintended consequences because you do that, distance might be hijacked, and people might be injured or killed. We are making efforts to see that we provide avenues for some of these media experts to be embedded with our troops when they are going on operation in the northeast, in the Northwest, in the north central, so that they have a feel of what the troops go through and the challenges ahead. Maybe they will have a better understanding."
VeryDarkMan Leads Protest in Abuja
On Thursday, June 11, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Abuja, led by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan. The demonstration demanded government action against worsening insecurity, kidnappings, and economic hardship across the country. According to Daily Trust, the demonstrators marched through parts of the Federal Capital Territory, chanting slogans such as "Terrorists Must Go," "Kidnappers Must Go," and "Bandits Must Go," while accusing the government of failing to protect lives and property despite huge security spending.
The protest, which followed earlier demonstrations, attracted youths, civil society groups, and other supporters. VeryDarkMan and General Musa appear to share a cordial relationship. The activist held a private meeting with Musa on December 19, 2025, following a reported invitation from the military. The pair met again at the ministry of defence in May 2026.
US Intervention in Nigeria's Security Crisis
Legit.ng reports that some militant jihadist groups and bandits have terrorised communities across several parts of Africa's most populous country. The persistent security crisis has prompted foreign intervention. The United States announced it had sent troops to Nigeria in February, in what was deemed a mostly advisory and training role, but joint operations reported in recent days appear to signal a more active US involvement in the country.
Police Response to Banditry
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that two suspected bandits terrorising residents of the FCT were killed during a joint security operation led by the police. Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, the FCT commissioner of police, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the command's headquarters in Abuja. Sanusi explained that the operation was launched following the abduction of five residents of Paze community in Byazhin Ward of Bwari Area Council.
