The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has called on the media to collaborate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the fight against insecurity in the nation.
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja made this appeal during his keynote address at the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat in Kano on Thursday.
Lagbaja lauded the relevance of the theme of the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat, “Synergizing Civil-Military Cooperation for National Security: Focus on Nigerian Army-Media Relations,” noting that it was fitting in light of the current state of security in the country.
The Army Chief stated that Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) is a crucial component of national security, as it promotes effective collaboration between the military and civilian authorities.
He pledged that the Nigerian Army will work towards strengthening its ties with the media, recognizing the important role that the media plays in influencing public perception, disseminating information, and promoting transparency in governance.
Lagbaja said: “The Nigerian Army is fully committed to the protection of law-abiding citizens and their civil liberties.
“We understand that a robust partnership with the media is paramount in achieving this objective.
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.”
Lagbaja noted that over the years, the Nigerian Army has achieved significant advancements in improving its communication and engagement with the media.
He affirmed that the Nigerian Army has made concerted efforts to eliminate obstacles to peace in the country and enhance civil-military relations.
The Lieutenant, while acknowledging the significant strides made by the Nigerian Army, emphasized that there was still significant work to be done and challenges to be addressed.
He stated: “We must establish regular channels of communication, enabling transparent and accurate reporting of military operations and activities, timely dissemination of information for engendering public confidence and countering misinformation.
“In view of this, I urge you to exercise responsibility, accuracy, and fairness in reporting on the Nigerian Army’s matters.
“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.”
Lagbaja further urged the media to avoid disseminating fake news or inflammatory contents that could undermine national unity and security.
Lagbaja reiterated Nigerian Army’s dedication to enhancing media access to their operations, while remaining mindful of the sensitivities surrounding operational security.
