The Nigerian Army on Wednesday reiterated its commitment towards fostering effective media engagement, aimed at enhancing collaboration with the military’s field efforts.
Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), emphasised this commitment during the Nigerian Army Civic Quarterly Media Chat in Sokoto State.
Lagbaja stressed that the media, as the society’s informer, should prioritise the country’s overall interests and the necessity for a peaceful environment to drive socioeconomic development.
Represented by Maj-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, the General Officer Commanding 8-Division of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto, the COAS highlighted the media’s essential role in supporting the military, noting that the theme, “Media as a Force Multiplier in Nigeria Army Operations”, is both apt and timely.
“As the Nigerian Army continues its constitutional responsibilities within a joint operational environment, we will actively engage the media to complement our military efforts in the field.
“Forums like this is envisaged to provide avenues for robust deliberations on Army-related concerns in order to design deliberate ways of addressing them appropriately,” he explained.
Lagbaja expressed gratitude for the continuous support from President Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders in implementing Nigeria’s national security imperatives.
He underscored the importance of Nigerians’ support in achieving stability, peace and security, emphasising that the army belongs to the people.
The COAS revealed ongoing efforts to implement comprehensive strategies, encompassing both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations.
He noted the acquisition of modern equipment and combat enablers, with additional provisions in the final stages.
Maj-Gen Nosakhare Ugbo, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, acknowledged the media significant role in shaping public opinion.
Ugbo assured regular updates on Army activities and emphasised the need for accurate information without compromising operational and national security, consistent with global best practices
He encouraged participants to strengthen the partnership between the media and the Nigerian Army, while seeking implementable solutions for future engagements.
Retired Maj-Gen. Usman Mohammed and retired Brig-Gen. Sani Usman presented papers on “Toward effective Civil Military Cooperation Line of Operations of the Nigerian Army: The role of the media”, and “The role of the media in tackling Insecurity in Nigeria: Nigerian Army in perspective,” during the event. (NAN)