The Chief of Army Staff Lt General Waidi Shaibu on Thursday called for continuous collaboration between the military and the media to promote peace, unity, and national security across the country.
He made the call in Jos the Plateau state capital while speaking during the Army Headquarters Department of Civil Military Affairs Media Chat Fourth Quarter 2025 with the theme – The Nigerian Security environment ,role of strategic communications in strengthening civil military relations.
He urged media practitioners to uphold the tenets of objective, credible, fair, and responsible reporting on the Nigerian Army activities while striking a balance between national security interests and the people’s right to information.
” It is also crucial to verify contents that could undermine national unity and security before disseminating to the public to avoid spreading misinformation or inflammatory contents often created using Artificial Intelligence”, he added .
Represented by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3rd armored Division and Commander Operation Enduring Peace he said the Nigerian Army has continued to explore non-kinetic approaches to address the diverse security challenges facing the country.
In his words ” It is common knowledge that advancement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has transformed the media space into a key driver of human interaction at various levels, bringing with it, significant security implications.”
“While ICT has its opportunities, the drawbacks are quite profound, these among others include the rapid spread of fake news, while digital platforms can easily be used to amplify disinformation, misinformation and propaganda.
,”Additionally, malicious acts such as disclosure of classified information and weaponization of narratives by dissidents in the media space, pose threats to national security. “This has necessitated collaboration between the Nigeria Army and media stakeholders to foster a formidable front against our shared security challenges.”
He added that the The theme for the event aptly underscores the essential role of information management in national security.
“The theme, thus, reinforces the pivotal role of the media in forging a common narrative towards ensuring a safe and secure environment.”
The Army Chief also said “While the pen is considered mightier than the sword, we can all agree that our current security environment demands stronger cooperation and partnership between the pen and the sword which in this regard represents the media and the army. ”
” As the Nigerian Army enhances its pursuit of national security objectives the media’s pivotal role in shaping public opinion, informing the public and fostering unity of purpose cannot be overstated.”
” Therefore, we must maintain regular communication channels to ensure transparent reporting on military operations, timely dissemination of information, countering disinformation and misinformation while building public confidence. ”
“As the Army intensifies operations to eliminate the threats bedeviling our beloved country, I call on all Nigerians to support the Nigerian Army and urge the media to practice responsible and balanced reporting. ”
” I equally want to assure you all that the Nigerian Army under my leadership is committed to enhancing media access to our operations under an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding while maintaining operational security.” He added .
The Chief of Army Staff also expressed deep gratitude to their selfless and gallant troops for their unwavering dedication, bravery, and commitment in protecting the territorial integrity of Nation
“I also want to reaffirm the Nigerian Army’s unalloyed loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am grateful to Mr President for his relentless strategic guidance and unwavering support.
Speaking earlier the Chief of Civil Military Affairs Major General Etsu Ndagi said thr Nigerian Army Media Chat is a quarterly event, designed to build capacity and strengthen mutual understanding between the Army and media stakeholders as we collectively tackle the current day security challenges.
The influencing capability of the media does have positive and negative multiplier effects within the contemporary security landscape.
As an Army, we are not only committed to safeguarding our nation, but also fostering relationships that promote understanding and unity among our people.
I want to assure you all that the Nigerian Army remains committed to prioritizing and ensuring the provision of accurate and comprehensive information to the media.
