By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri
The Chief of Defense (CDS) Staff, General Christopher Musa has said that the synergy between military and the media must be viewed as not optional, but as strategic and necessary partners to end the fight against Boko Haram terrorists and promote national unity, preserve peace and defend the democratic values.
The CDS stated this on Wednesday at the One -Day 3rd Quarter Media Stakeholders Seminar themed: ‘Consolidating Media- Military Synergy for Sustainable Peace in Nigeria’, which was organized by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters which took place at Nigerian Army Officers’ Mess and Suite, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, Borno state.
Represented by the Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Markus Kangye who is the Chief Host, General Musa explained that the Nigerian Armed Forces have remained steadfast in their constitutional mandate to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.
He noted with appreciation that the various theatres of operations across the country with gallant men and women have continued to make enormous sacrifices, often under difficult and dangerous conditions, to keep the country safe and secured.
However, he said, “military operations are not conducted in a vacuum, hence the need to engage with the media by using information management, public perception, and strategic communication that are vital as the combat component”.
He further stated that, going forward, peace and security cannot be sustained by force alone, stressing “they must be nurtured through positive narratives, civic engagement, and inclusive communication. This is where the media have a unique and powerful role to play”.
General Musa while assuring the military of continued support and prompt provision of their welfare, also used the opportunity and commend the Theatre Commander, OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar and his troops for their unwavering sacrifices, as well as the feat achieved so far in defeating remnants of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in the North East general area of responsibility.
In his Keynote address, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar reiterated that, the military and the media must work hand in hand to defend territorial integrity, confronts insurgencies and protect lives and property of the citizenry.
He said, over the years, Nigeria has faced several multidimensional security challenges from insurgency in the Northeast to banditry, militancy, and communal clashes. These crises, Abubakar noted, are not only fought on the battlefield but also in the domain of public perception, where the media plays a greater role.
The Theatre Commander added that, to address some of these challenges, there must be structured and timely communication between the military and the media. Spokespersons on both sides must operate within clear protocols to ensure information is accurate, verified, and responsibly disseminated.
Unfortunately, at times, according to him “misinformation,
sensationalism, and lack of access to verified information have hampered military operations and endangered national security.
“These challenges must be confronted not by pointing fingers but by building bridges. To consolidate media-military synergy for sustainable peace, we must pursue a number of strategic actions. There must be structured and timely communication between the military and the media. Spokespersons on both sides must operate within clear protocols to ensure information is accurate, verified, and responsibly disseminated.
“Journalists must be trained periodically in conflict-sensitive reporting and strategic communication, while military personnel should be sensitized on media relations and the value of press freedom. .
“Therefore, in consolidating media-military synergy, we are not only strengthening our national security framework, we are also cultivating the very soil from which peace can grow and thrive. May this gathering mark a new chapter where the pen and the sword, the lens and the uniform, work hand in hand for the Nigeria we all believe in”. General Abubakar stated.
Earlier in his speech, the Special Guest of Honour and Borno state Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, represented by the Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar commended the military under the leadership of General Christopher Musa and the Directorate of Defence Media Operations for engaging with the media to ensure total defeat against insurgents.
He said, his administration will continue to uphold respect to press freedom, even as urged the working Journalists in the state to stay away from fake news which are detrimental to the fight against terrorism, democratic governance and development.
Highlights of the Seminar were paper presentations by Professor Usman Tar, a former Lecturer at the Nigerian Defence Academy, with a topic: ‘Strategic Communication as a tool for Strengthening Civil -Military Relation a in Conflict Zones’, while Professor Abubakar Mua’zu, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri spoke on ‘Ethical Journalism and Responsible Reporting in Security Matters; Building Trust for National Unity’.
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