Army Chief Tasks Media to Prioritize National Security in Reporting
The Chief of Army Stuff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja,has called on Nigeria media to ensure that national interest and security are not jeopardized on the basis of press freedom and the urgency to be the first to break the news.
He made the assertion on Thursday while speaking on the Nigerian Army Civil military cooperation, media chat second quarter 2024 theme “Synergizing Civil military cooperation for national security focus on Nigerian Army- Media Relation” held in Kano.
Speaking on his behalf ,the General officer commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Mayirenso Lander David Saraso,said,”Let me therefore express my gratitude to the media for your partnership with the Nigerian Army.”
“While we acknowledge the importance of freedom of the press, it is crucial to strike a balance between national security interests and the public’s right to information.
Today, we focus on building a stronger relationship between the Nigerian Army and the media, recognizing the critical role the media plays in shaping public opinion, informing the people, and fostering transparency in governance.
Lagbaja emphasised the media serves as the bridge that connects the military to the citizens, ensuring accountability, and maintaining a healthy relationship based on mutual trust and understanding.
Over the years, the Nigerian Army has made significant progress in enhancing its communication and engagement with the media.
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He stated that “We have worked hard to remove most of the encumbrances to peace in the country and enhance civil-military relations. Nevertheless, we recognize that there is still work to be done and challenges to address”.
He disclosed that as Nigerian Army diligently fulfils its constitutional mandates, it is equally imperative for the media to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, impartiality, and patriotism
He therefore added that “by doing so, media practitioners can ensure that their reports contribute positively to national security objectives.
Lagbaja then stated that “in essence, this Media Chat signifies our unwavering dedication to transparent and effective communication between the Nigerian Army and the media practitioners.
He charged media that must avoid disseminating fake news or inflammatory contents that could undermine national unity and security.
“I want to reiterate Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving media access to our operations within the bounds of operational security.
We understand the need for accurate reporting on our activities, as it aids in building trust between the Nigerian Army and the civil population
While speaking on the occasion as the special guest of honor ,the managing director |Chief Executive officer Television Continental communications, Victoria Ajayi stressed that in an era characterized by evolving security threats and dynamic information landscapes, the significance of effective civil-military cooperation cannot be overstated.
Ajayi stated that the Nigerian Army stands as a fortification of our national defence, tasked with ensuring the safety and security of our people in the face of multifaceted security challenges.
She however added that the role of the media is indispensable, serving as a channel through which information flows between the military and the civilians, while fostering transparency, understanding, and mutual trust.
