Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, the acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army based in Sokoto, has emphasized the military’s commitment to restoring peace across Nigeria. During a recent courtesy visit from the executives of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists at the Giginya Barracks, Ajose reflected on the security landscape in Nigeria, particularly in the northwest region, asserting that despite challenges, significant progress has been made. He expressed confidence in the army’s ongoing efforts to combat insecurity and highlighted a reduction in incidents of violence and crime compared to previous years.
Ajose’s optimism regarding the improvement of security in Nigeria was evident during the meeting as he noted the reduction in killings, cattle rustling, and other forms of insecurity that have plagued the region. He pointed out that the effectiveness of counterinsurgency strategies can be gauged by the decline in daily attacks, illustrating this with the increase in traffic on the Sokoto-Gusau road as an optimistic sign of public safety returning. His comments underscored the military’s commitment to creating a safer environment for all Nigerians and reestablishing peace in regions that have suffered from violence.
In acknowledging the collaboration between security agencies and the media, Ajose stressed the importance of accurate reporting. He referred to journalists as “necessary evils,” recognizing their role in informing the public but also admitting that the military may not always provide timely information about operations. The GOC urged media professionals to work closely with the military to facilitate accurate reporting, which he believes is crucial for fostering public trust and understanding, while also ensuring that exaggerations or misinformation do not undermine the military’s efforts.
Moreover, Ajose highlighted the collective responsibility of both military personnel and media to project a favorable image of Nigeria amidst its ongoing security challenges. He called for an openness that would not only enhance the reporting of military activities but would also contribute positively to the overall narrative about security in Nigeria. He advocated for professional standards in journalism that would ensure responsible reporting, particularly in sensitive contexts involving national security.
The GOC’s message resonated with the audience, emphasizing the theme that Nigeria is on an upward trajectory in terms of security. He added that the public should be made aware of the positive changes occurring, which may not always make headlines. By instilling a sense of hope and demonstrating the tangible progress made in addressing insecurity, he believes that public perception can shift toward acknowledgment of the military’s achievements.
In conclusion, Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose’s remarks reflect a strategic approach to national security, highlighting a partnership between the military and the media as essential for promoting peace and stability in Nigeria. His reassurance of the army’s continued efforts against insecurity serves as a call to action for collaboration, great communication, and responsible reporting, which are vital in shaping the nation’s narrative and fostering a safer Nigeria for all its citizens.
