By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The Chief of Army Staff, LT Gen TA Lagbaja, has urged journalists to ensure balanced reporting to foster mutual relationship with the Nigerian Army in the fight against threats to national security.
He made this call during the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat for the Third Quarter of 2024 held in Makurdi, Benue state.
The theme of the event was “The Media and the Military: Allies in Pursuit of National Security.”
He explained that as the Nigerian Army continues to confront the numerous security challenges facing the nation through deliberate kinetic and non-kinetic operations, it was crucial for all patriotic citizens and stakeholders to actively participate in the collective efforts toward a secure and safe nation.
He further explained that the media plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the public is well-informed and educated about the government’s and its agencies’ activities, including the Nigerian Army, and the responsibilities of good citizenship.
He expressed the confidence that the partnership between the army and the media is essential for achieving national security goals and is critical for maintaining peace, harmony, and the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
He urged the media practitioners to uphold responsibility, accuracy, and fairness in reporting on the Nigerian Army’s activities, balancing national security interests with the public’s right to information adding that it is also crucial to avoid spreading misinformation or inflammatory content that could undermine national unity and security.
The Army Chief further stated that the Nigerian Army is dedicated to enhancing media access to their operations while maintaining operational security.
“This Media Chat embodies our unwavering dedication to fostering clear and effective communication between the Nigerian Army and the media. Accurate and balanced reporting is crucial for building trust between the Army and the public.
“Therefore, media practitioners are encouraged to maintain high professionalism, accuracy, impartiality, and patriotism, which are essential to contributing positively to national security objectives,” he added.