By Olubunmi Osoteku, Ibadan
The Nigerian Army has underscored the significance of fostering a healthy relationship between the military and the media as a crucial tool in fortifying Nigeria’s internal security operations and safeguarding innocent citizens.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, made this call during the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat for the third quarter of 2023. The chat, which took place in Ibadan, Oyo state on Wednesday, centered around the theme, “Leveraging Media to Enhance Nigeria’s Internal Security Operations.”
Representing Gen. Lagbaja was Major General Bamidele Alabi, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2 Division Nigerian Army at the Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment in Ibadan. In his address, Gen. Alabi highlighted the objective of the media chat, which aimed to keep journalists well-informed, dispel rumors, and provide accurate and timely information. He emphasized the media’s crucial role as an integral part of nation-building, responsible for keeping the public informed about events, including military operations.
Gen. Lagbaja’s representative stated, “At this critical time when the nation is grappling with various internal security challenges, the Nigerian Army, under my leadership, has adopted a multidimensional approach that requires collaboration from all stakeholders, especially the media. Thus, a platform like this media chat is paramount for an in-depth examination of issues related to the Nigerian Army, providing context and alternative perspectives to these matters.”
The COAS acknowledged the evolving nature of security in Nigeria, where the Nigerian Army is deployed to combat terrorists, insurgents, and other criminals nationwide. He revealed that under his leadership, the Army has taken steps to enhance professionalism, strengthen civil-military relationships, and train and equip forces for kinetic operations. These strategic measures aim to ensure that security challenges in the country are promptly resolved.
Lagbaja emphasized, “To fully institutionalize professionalism in the Nigerian Army, I have articulated my ‘Command Philosophy,’ which is to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force capable of fulfilling our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.”
In his welcome address, Major General Nosakhare Ugbo, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, expressed that the media chat was part of efforts to keep the media well-informed about the Nigerian Army’s Civil-Military Cooperation and Civil-Military Relations activities. This initiative aims to dispel rumors and provide accurate and timely information in line with international best practices.
Ugbo emphasized that the gathering provided an opportunity for the Nigerian Army to engage with communication experts, fostering a better understanding and charting a mutually beneficial relationship to enhance media reportage.
The event featured two insightful lectures. The first, titled “Media as Team Players in Nigerian Army’s Internal Security Operations,” was delivered by retired Major General Bamidele Omozoje. The second lecture, titled “Military-Media Relations for Enhanced National Security: Nigerian Army in Perspective,” was delivered by retired Major General Chris Olukolade.
Both lecturers agreed on the importance of robust military-media relations and emphasized the need to train journalists on how to effectively cover and report on Army activities. They highlighted the significance of journalists having a comprehensive understanding of the conflicts they report on to combat misinformation.
