…Urges responsible reporting, deeper media-military partnership

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Chief of Civil Military Affairs (CCMA), Major General Gold Chibuisi, has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the media to combat the country’s rising security challenges and promote national development.

Speaking at the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Media Chat held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Chibuisi said the second edition of the engagement, themed “Military-Media Collaboration: Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development,” was aimed at fostering mutual understanding between the military and media stakeholders.

He called on journalists to uphold ethical standards, avoid sensationalism, and resist spreading misinformation, warning that how the media reports security issues could either strengthen or undermine national security.

“We have a collective responsibility in shaping the narratives of our national security landscape. Together, we can forge a path toward a safer and more informed society,” Chibuisi said.

He noted that the Nigerian Army is not solely reliant on kinetic military operations but is also employing non-kinetic strategies such as dialogue and stakeholder engagement to build public trust and promote unity.

Highlighting the influence of the media, he warned that dissidents often exploit irresponsible reporting to fuel public distrust against the government and its institutions, including the military.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede—represented by Major General Obinna Godwin Onubogu, General Officer Commanding 2 Division—reiterated the strategic importance of media collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and democracy.

“Our best allies are those who control the minds of citizens—that is, the media,” Oluyede noted, stressing that the military remains committed to ensuring operational transparency and enhancing public access to credible information.

He urged journalists to go beyond conflict reporting and focus on themes of national development, peacekeeping, and civic engagement.

In a keynote presentation, retired Colonel T.O. Antigha, Executive Director of the Armed Forces Radio Service, Abuja, addressed “Enhancing Information for National Security and Development: Nigerian Military Operations in Perspective.” He said the Army has initiated several efforts—including social media seminars and a Civil-Military Relations Desk—to counter misinformation and address allegations of human rights violations.

According to Antigha, the Army also runs a weekly radio program, Civil Military Hour, to inform the public about its activities and promote transparency.

Also presenting at the event was Dr. Ade-Johnson, Head of the Mass Communication Department at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko. In her paper titled “Effective Information Management and National Security: Focus on Multi-Stakeholders’ Approach,” she emphasized the need for inclusive and timely communication involving multiple actors—from government institutions and security agencies to civil society, academia, and international partners.

She described the media as a fundamental pillar of democratic engagement and national development and called for training programs, structured partnerships, and deeper collaboration between the media, military, and academia.

The forum ended with a shared commitment from both the Army and media stakeholders to improve communication and cooperation in the interest of national peace and security.