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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has said the Nigerian Army is taking proactive approach to media collaboration with a view to building trust and cooperation in the pursuit of national security.
Oluyede stated this at the opening ceremony of a Two Day Training for Media Operatives in Nigeria, organized by the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Represented by the Director-General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Major General Gbemiga Adesina, General Oluyede said the media has a responsibility to provide timely and useful information to the public while ensuring that such information does not compromise national security.
According to him, “There is therefore always the need to avail the people with valuable information that are not detrimental to national security. In this regard, the onus lies on the complicity of balancing military acts with responsible reportage to keep the people secured.
“That is why Nigerian Army is striving to strike a strategic balance between the protection of law-abiding citizens, national security, and the rights of the media to disseminate information.”
Oluyede said the training highlighted the significance of collaboration between the military and the media in addressing security challenges.
He noted, however that, as security situations evolve, public institutions like the media must also adapt to meet the challenges of our time.
“This training is timely, especially with the Nigerian Army deployed in various theatres of operation. Its objective is to facilitate a conducive working relationship between the military and the media.
“I believe it is essential for security agencies and the media to engage in forums like this, as both parties work towards the same purpose – a secure Nigeria where every individual is important.
“I am encouraged by the array of speakers lined up for this event and I am confident that we will all be better equipped to advance national security,” said.
The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), Major General Chibuisi Gold, on his part said that addressing the evolving national security challenges required a whole-of-society approach.
He stated that building a mutual understanding rooted in trust, accuracy, and balanced reporting between the military and media was crucial.
In his opening remarks, Gold disclosed that the training was part of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to enhancing civil-military relations and fostering an informed, professional, and secure information environment.
According to him, “This strategic collaboration aims to expose media professionals to the Army’s doctrines, operations, and communication strategies. Accurate and constructive reporting can galvanize national support, enhance accountability, and contribute positively to collective security.
“A well-informed media is a strategic partner in our fight against security threats. This initiative bridges the knowledge gap between the security sector and media practitioners, promoting responsible reporting that supports national security interests,” he said.
The CCMA urged the participants to engage actively, ask questions, and seek clarity on complex issues.
He expressed appreciation to the COAS for his strategic direction and support, expressing optimism that the engagement would strengthen the rapport between the army and the media.
