From Msurshima Andrew, Makurdi
The Chief of Army Staff, LT Gen TA Lagbaja, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to a strong, collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship with the media, essential for securing the nation’s territorial integrity and advancing socio-economic development.
He said a strengthened civil-military cooperation and upholding of democratic principles, human rights, and freedom of the press would enhance national security
Lagbaja made this commitment during the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat for the Third Quarter of 2024 held Thursday, in Makurdi, the Benue state capital.
He urged the media to adhere to responsible and balanced reporting as a way of supporting the Nigerian Army to succeed in the continue operations to eliminate threats to national security.
He stated that as the Nigerian Army continues to confront the numerous security challenges facing the nation through deliberate kinetic and non-kinetic operations, it is crucial for all patriotic citizens and stakeholders to actively participate in the collective efforts toward a secure and safe nation.
According to him, the media plays a vital role in ensuring that the public is well-informed and educated about the government’s and its agencies’ activities, including the Nigerian Army, and the responsibilities of good citizenship.
He also said that public education and enlightenment are essential for citizens to fully understand their role in the whole-of-nation approach to addressing shared challenges.
“In this regard, our strongest allies in ensuring national security are those who influence the minds of citizens, the media.
“Therefore the theme for this event, “The Media and the Military: Allies in Pursuit of National Security,” aptly highlights the significant roles both the media and the Nigerian Army play in safeguarding national security.”
While wondering whether the longstanding debate over whether the pen is mightier than the sword has been settled, whether the pen has triumphed, affirming its superiority the COAS who was represented by Maj. Gen. Hillary Nzam, said in times of varied security threats to the Nigerian society, there is a need for greater collaboration between the pen and the sword which is the media and the army.
He expressed the confidence that the partnership between the army and the media is essential for achieving national security goals and is critical for maintaining peace, harmony, and the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“As the Nigerian Army enhances its efforts toward national security objectives, recognizing the media’s pivotal role in shaping public opinion, informing the populace, and fostering unity of purpose cannot be overemphasized.
He said “The Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and their civil liberties
“At the same time, the media serves as a crucial link between the military and the public, ensuring accountability and fostering mutual trust. While significant progress has been made in improving communication and media engagement, challenges persist, and forums like this help address some of these challenges in the relationship.
To foster effective collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the media, Lagbaja noted that it is vital to encourage open dialogue and mutual respect adding “We must establish regular communication channels to facilitate transparent reporting on military operations and timely dissemination of information, countering disinformation and misinformation while building public confidence.”
He however, urged the media practitioners to uphold responsibility, accuracy, and fairness in reporting on the Nigerian Army’s activities, balancing national security interests with the public’s right to information adding that it is also crucial to avoid spreading misinformation or inflammatory content that could undermine national unity and security.
“I must emphasize that such content can be easily created with manipulative technological tools; hence, media practitioners are urged to verify information before disseminating it to the public.” he said
The Army Chief further stated that the Nigerian Army is dedicated to enhancing media access to their operations while maintaining operational security.
“This Media Chat embodies our unwavering dedication to fostering clear and effective communication between the Nigerian Army and the media. Accurate and balanced reporting is crucial for building trust between the Army and the public.
“Therefore, media practitioners are encouraged to maintain high professionalism, accuracy, impartiality, and patriotism, which are essential to contributing positively to national security objectives.
“Together, we can enhance public understanding, build trust, and promote the greater welfare of our beloved nation. To achieve this, our collaboration must extend beyond conflict reporting to include national development, peacebuilding, and community engagements.
Lagbaja added that the Nigerian Army has intensified operations across various regions with tailored strategies to address the unique security threats in each region.
“I am pleased to report significant successes in these efforts across multiple theatres. These include the neutralization of several terrorists and their leaders, the rescue of some abducted Nigerians, and the restoration of socio-economic activities in affected communities, leading to the return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes.”
“Our efforts have also significantly boosted crude oil production while enhancing food security through special patrols and escort duties that enable farmers to cultivate their crops. In response to recent human-made and natural disasters in parts of the country, we activated our emergency response capabilities. We leveraged our unique competencies, as demonstrated in the recent flood incident in Maiduguri.”
He also reaffirm the Nigerian Army’s steadfast loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and and thanked him for his relentless strategic guidance and unwavering support.
Meanwhile, he Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Thisday newspaper, Chief Nduka Obaigbena, also called the Nigerian military to stop getting involved in arresting protesters but to go after kidnappers and other criminals in the country.
He also called on them to stop getting involved in protecting electoral riggers saying a free and fair elections would form a Government that would be accountable and there would be no protest.
“Peace is very necessary for development. Our soldiers sacrifice their lives everyday to give us peace. We should not take it for granted. We should work with them. But the military should do more.
“He urged the Nigerian Government to ensure that the armed forces are properly funded saying “I call that at least, 25 percent of our national budget should be channeled to security and the Armed forces and that budget will include technologies.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj. Gen. Nosakabre Ugbo, emphasized the critical role of collaboration between the military and the media in enhancing national security while also highlighting the importance of the partnership in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Maj. Gen. Ugbo expressed hope that the engagement would “build lasting partnerships that will promote national security and national unity.”
In a good will message, the Commissioner for Information in Benue State, Hon. Mathew Abo, welcomed participants to the event called for mutual, sustained and harmonious civil-military cooperations that will enhance peace, unity and development of the country.
