We remain focused on building a stronger relationship between Nigerian Army, media – COAS

Stanley Ihedigbo

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has reiterated the Nigerian Army (NA) commitment towards building a stronger relationship between the NA and the media.

The COAS made this statement on 20 June 2024 during the Second Quarter Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Media Chat held at Amana Hall, Grand Central Hotel, Kano, with the theme “Synergizing Civil-Military Cooperation for National Security: Focus on Nigerian Army-Media Relations”.

In his keynote address, the COAS stated that NA recognizes the critical role the media plays in shaping public opinion and informing the people, stressing that the NA is fully committed to the protection of law-abiding citizens and their civil liberties, therefore understands that a robust partnership with the media is paramount in achieving the NA-Media Relations.

The COAS who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 1 Division NA and Commander Operation WHIRL PUNCH, Major General David Saraso said that the media serves as the bridge that connects the NA to the citizens, ensuring accountability and maintaining a healthy relationship based on mutual trust and understanding.

He added that over the years, the NA has made significant progress in enhancing its communication and engagement with the media.

“We have worked hard to remove most of the encumbrances to peace in the country and enhance civil-military relations. Nevertheless, we recognize that there is still work to be done and challenges to address. To achieve effective collaboration, it is imperative for us to foster an environment that encourages open dialogue and mutual respect. We must establish regular channels of communication, enabling transparent and accurate reporting of military operations activities, timely dissemination of information for engendering public confidence and countering misinformation,” he said.

Lieutenant General Lagbaja acknowledged the importance of freedom of the press, urging the media to exercise responsibility, accuracy, and fairness in reporting NA’s matters, noting that it is crucial to strike a balance between national security interests and the public’s right to information. It is imperative for the media to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, impartiality, and patriotism. Hence, we must avoid disseminating fake news or inflammatory contents that could undermine national unity and security.

The COAS further reiterated NA’s commitment to improving media access to NA’s operations within the bounds of operational security, maintaining the need for accurate reporting on NA’s activities, as it aids in building trust between the NA and civil population. This underscores the significance of a consistent and transparent communication strategy implemented by the NA, adding that collaboration between the NA and the media should not be limited to the reporting of conflicts, terrorism, or security threats alone but must extend our engagements to areas of national development, peacebuilding, and community engagement.

While urging the public to continue to support the NA kinetic and non-kinetic operations towards complete elimination of elements and purveyors of insecurity and restoring socio-economic activities to most hitherto deserted communities in our beloved country, COAS reassured the nation of the unalloyed loyalty of the officers and men of the NA to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Constitution of Nigeria.

The Special Guest of Honour (SGOH), the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Television Continental Communications, Victoria Ajayi in her opening remarks highlighted that theme of the media chat underscores the vital need for a harmonious relationship between the NA and the media, stressing that as we navigate the complexities of modern security threats, effective communication and collaboration are essential in shaping public perceptions, countering misinformation, and upholding the integrity our national security apparatus.

Victoria Ajayi commended the NA for its efforts to engage with the media, fostering productive interactions that enhance transparency and promote a shared understanding of the collective security challenges, adding that by synergizing civil-military cooperation, we not only strengthen our defence capabilities but also reinforce the bonds of trusts that underpin our nation’s resilience. She therefore urged all stakeholders to prioritize the cultivation of a robust partnership between the NA and the media, stressing that by working together in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration, we can confront emerging threats, counter disinformation, and uphold the values that define our nation.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), Major General Nosakhare Ugbo said that the NA’s collaboration with the media is one of the numerous platforms used to enhance CIMIC and CMR aimed at improving understanding, strengthening partnerships, and fostering synergy between the NA and the media, noting that effective communication, transparency, and mutual respect between the duo are essential in advancing our nation’s interests and upholding the values of democracy, accountability, and collective responsibility.

Major General Ugbo further pointed that NA is committed to not only safeguarding of nation but also fostering relationship that promote understanding and unity among our people, stressing that the media chat is aimed to deepen NA engagement with the media, enhance public awareness, and cultivate a culture of trust and cooperation that is vital for the collective security and prosperity. He reiterated that a collaborative military-media alliance is essential in our progressively interlinked society given the media’s pivotal role in molding public perspectives and comprehension of security issues. Hence, it is imperative to embrace conscientious journalism characterised by precision and impartiality.

The CCMA maintained that the synergy between the NA and the media facilitates a heightened awareness of security challenges among the populace, offering insights into the ramifications of military endeavours. He called on the media to uphold a duty to report truthfully and ethically, ad refrain from sensationalism and misinformation which can undermine public trust. He therefore assured them that NA remains committed to prioritizing and ensuring of accurate and comprehensive information to the media.

He appreciated the COAS for his continued support, strategic direction, and approval of the resources for hosting the event.

Highlights of the event were goodwill messages by the Commissioner for information Kano State, General Manager Nigerian Television Authority Kano, General Manager Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria Kano, lectures by accomplished retired General, and erudite Professors, panel discussions, presentation of souvenirs and group photograph.

Present at the event were military officers, heads of various security agencies, government officials, media executives, journalists from various media organizations amongst others.