The Imperative of Civil-Military Cooperation: Fostering Transparency, Accuracy, and National Security
The Nigerian Army, under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has underscored the critical importance of a robust and collaborative relationship with media practitioners. This partnership is viewed as essential for ensuring accurate and balanced reporting of military activities, fostering public trust, and effectively countering misinformation that could undermine national security. The Army recognizes that the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and understanding of security issues, and therefore, open communication and regular dialogue are vital for achieving shared objectives.
In a recent address at the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Quarterly Media Chat in Enugu, Lt.-Gen. Oluyede, represented by Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, emphasized the need for media practitioners to prioritize accuracy, fairness, and balance in their reporting. This includes considering both the public’s right to information and the sensitivities surrounding national security. The Army acknowledges that while transparency is crucial, certain information may need to be handled with discretion to avoid jeopardizing ongoing operations or compromising national security interests. The event, themed "Military and Media Relationship: A Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development," highlighted the interconnectedness of these two domains.
The Chief of Army Staff acknowledged the challenging security landscape facing the nation and the Army’s ongoing efforts to address these complex issues. He reported significant successes in neutralizing terrorist threats, rescuing abducted citizens, and restoring socio-economic activities in affected communities. While appealing for continued public support for the Army’s operations, Lt.-Gen. Oluyede also urged the media to maintain responsible and balanced reporting, recognizing its influential role in shaping public opinion and morale.
The Nigerian Army recognizes that a strong civil-military relationship extends beyond conflict reporting. It encompasses collaboration on issues of national development and community engagement. By highlighting positive initiatives that improve the lives of citizens, the Army aims to foster a united front against violent armed groups and distractions from nation-building. This proactive approach recognizes that security and development are intertwined and that a holistic approach is essential for achieving lasting peace and stability.
The media chat also provided a platform for senior military officials and media executives to engage in constructive dialogue and address mutual concerns. Maj.-Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, Chief of Civil-Military Cooperation, praised the Chief of Army Staff and President Bola Tinubu for their support and funding of the initiative, emphasizing its importance in building a stronger understanding between the Army and the media. Toke Ibru, Chief Executive Officer of Guardian Newspaper, described the event as timely and crucial for facilitating accurate information dissemination and combating misinformation. He also highlighted the importance of the Army understanding the media’s operational dynamics, including its challenges and pressures, to further strengthen the relationship.
The event also featured a lecture by retired Maj.-Gen. Godwin Umelo on "Enhancing National Security through Whole of Society Approach: Effective Information Management in Perspective." He emphasized the importance of community involvement in security, urging citizens to support security agencies by providing timely and actionable information. He stressed that security is a shared responsibility, requiring active participation from all segments of society to effectively address security threats. This perspective underscores the Army’s commitment to fostering a collaborative approach to security, recognizing that success requires the collective efforts of both security forces and the communities they serve.
