Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has charged the media not to limit the collaborative engagement between the army and media to reporting conflicts, terrorism or security threats alone but to extend their engagements in national development, peacebuilding and community engagement.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja stated this during the 2024 second quarter media chat on Nigeria Army civil-military cooperation in Kano.
The COAS, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigeria Army, Maj. Gen. Mayirensa Saraso, noted that the media, which serves as the bridge connecting the military to the citizens, must be responsible and ensure accuracy and balance while reporting, especially on matters that concern the Nigerian Army in the interest of national security.
He urged them to balance national security interests and the public‘s right to information and avoid fake news that could undermine national unity and security.
“We must establish regular communication channels, enabling transparent and accurate reporting of military operations and activities and timely dissemination of information to engender public confidence and counter misinformation.
“Given this, I urge you to exercise responsibility, accuracy, and fairness in reporting on Nigerian Army‘s matters.
“While we acknowledge the importance of freedom of the press, it is crucial to balance national security interests and the public‘s right to information. We must avoid disseminating fake news or inflammatory content that could undermine national unity and security”.
While reiterating the Nigerian Army‘s commitment to improving media access to its operations within operational security, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja appreciated the troops for their sacrifice in pursuit of peace and security.
In his welcome address, the chief of civil-military affairs, Maj. Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo said the Nigerian Army‘s quarterly civil-military cooperation media chat serves as a platform to synergise efforts, improve communication and foster a strong and collaborative relationship between the Nigerian Army and the media for national security.
He said the relationship is crucial in ensuring the collective security and well-being of the country.
