By People’s Post
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with media professionals to enhance national security, stressing that effective communication remains central to defeating evolving threats.
This formed the focus of the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat for the fourth quarter of 2025, held at the Crispan Hotel on Thursday in Jos, the Plateau State capital
Delivering the keynote address, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, represented by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, GOC 3 Division and Commander Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), said Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has transformed the media space into a powerful tool that shapes public perception and national security.
“ICT has become a major driver of human interaction, but while it opens opportunities, its drawbacks are profound. Fake news, disinformation, and propaganda now spread faster than ever,” he warned.
Shaibu cautioned that malicious activities—including the unauthorized release of classified information and the manipulation of narratives by dissidents—pose serious threats. He said this makes collaboration between the Army and the media an urgent necessity.
Unveiling the theme of the Media Chat, “The Nigerian Security Environment: Role of Strategic Communication in Strengthening Civil-Military Relations,” Shaibu emphasized the crucial place of information management in safeguarding national unity.
“The theme reinforces the pivotal role of the media in forging a common narrative toward ensuring a safe and secure environment,” he stated.
“In today’s security landscape, cooperation between the pen and the sword is crucial.”
He encouraged journalists to remain credible, objective, and responsible in their reportage, particularly at a time when artificial intelligence-generated misinformation poses fresh risks.
“I urge media practitioners to thoroughly verify content that may undermine national unity before dissemination. We must avoid inflaming tensions,” he added.
The COAS also reiterated the Army’s commitment to transparency where operational security permits, noting that the Media Chat demonstrates the institution’s readiness to maintain open communication channels with journalists.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, described the Media Chat as a platform to build understanding between the military and media professionals.
He noted that the media’s power to influence public opinion could either strengthen or undermine national security.
“Media influence comes with positive and negative multiplier effects, which dissidents often try to exploit,” he said.
“This is why ethical reporting and avoiding sensationalism remain critical.”
He urged journalists to help counter misinformation while promoting fair and balanced reporting that enhances public understanding of security operations.
The Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Polycap Auta, commended the Army for engaging with the media and urged the military to adopt new strategies in the fight against insurgency.
“We will continue to support efforts that promote national unity, but the military must also keep evolving its tactics,” he advised.
The event brought together senior military officers, media leaders, and stakeholders, all reaffirming that a united front between security agencies and the press remains vital to building a safer and more informed Nigeria.
