The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede,  has charged the  media to always prioritise national security in its reportage.

According him, the   media has a responsibility to provide timely and useful information to the public while ensuring that such information does not compromise national security.

Oluyede stated this at the opening training for Media Operatives in Nigeria, organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs in Abuja on Tuesday.

Represented by the Director-General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Maj.-Gen. Gbemiga Adesina, the COAS said as security situations evolve, public institutions like the media must also adapt to meet the challenges of our time.

”This training is timely, especially with the Nigerian Army deployed in various theatres of operation.

”Its objective is to facilitate a conducive working relationship between the military and the media.

”I believe it is essential for security agencies and the media to engage in forums like this, as both parties work towards the same purpose; a secure Nigeria where every individual is important.

”I am encouraged by the array of speakers lined up for this event and I am confident that we will all be better equipped to advance national security.”

He noted that the Nigerian Army was taking a proactive approach in its collaboration with the media.

He said this was with a view to building trust and cooperation in the pursuit of national security.

He noted that the Nigerian army had strived to strike a strategic balance between protecting law-abiding citizens, national security, and the media’s right to disseminate information.

He explained that the training highlighted the significance of collaboration between the military and the media in addressing security challenges.

In his remarks, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, said that addressing the evolving national security challenges required a whole-of-society approach.

Chibuisi said that building a mutual understanding rooted in trust, accuracy, and balanced reporting between the military and media was crucial.

He revealed that the training was part of the Nigerian army’s commitment to enhancing civil-military relations and fostering an informed, professional, and secure information environment.

According to him, this strategic collaboration aims to expose media professionals to the Army’s doctrines, operations, and communication strategies.

”Accurate and constructive reporting can galvanize national support, enhance accountability, and contribute positively to collective security.

”A well-informed media is a strategic partner in our fight against security threats.

”This initiative bridges the knowledge gap between security forces and media practitioners, promoting responsible reporting that supports national security interests.”

The CCMA urged the participants to engage actively, ask questions, and seek clarity on complex issues.