The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has underscored the importance of a robust military-media relationship in Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and other criminal activities in the country.
Speaking through Major General Bamidele Alabi, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, he made these remarks during the Nigerian Army (NA) Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) quarterly media chat, which took place in Agodi Ibadan.
The event, titled “Leveraging Media to Enhance Nigeria’s Internal Security Operations,” was attended by notable figures, including Major General Nosakhare Ugbo, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Bamidele Omozoje (Rtd), Major General Chris Olukolade (Rtd), as well as media managers and journalists representing various media outlets.
Lagbaja stressed the necessity of fostering a healthy military-media relationship, which he believed would help create a positive perception and sustain popular support for the Army’s counter-terrorism and security operations.
He recognized the media as a critical partner in the Army’s non-kinetic aspects of operations aimed at safeguarding the nation.
The Chief of Army Staff also noted that the media chat was part of civil-military cooperation activities designed to keep the media well-informed, dispel rumors, and provide accurate and timely information, as the media plays a crucial role in nation-building.
Under his leadership, Lagbaja stated that the Nigerian Army has adopted a multi-dimensional approach that requires collaboration from all stakeholders, particularly the media, in addressing the country’s security challenges.
He reassured the nation of the unwavering loyalty of Nigerian Army officers and soldiers to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Lagbaja concluded by expressing his appreciation for the dedication and service of the Nigerian Army’s officers and soldiers in safeguarding the country.
He highlighted the changing security landscape in Nigeria, where the Nigerian Army is engaged in countering terrorists, insurgents, and criminals across the nation, making a strong military-media partnership essential for success.