MAIDUGURI – The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa on Wednesday raised the need for strategic partnership between the media and the military in the fight against terrorism.
The CDS made this call at a one-day 3rd Quarter media stakeholders seminar in Maiduguri.
The seminar titled, “Consolidating Media-Military Synergy for Sustainable Peace in Nigeria,” was organised by the Defence Media Operations.
Musa, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, the Director of Defence, Media Operations, said that the Armed Forces remained steadfast in its constitutional mandate to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.
According to him, 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.
The CDS expressed appreciation to various theatres of operations across the country, saying it was their sacrifices under difficult and dangerous conditions that continued to keep the country safe and secured.
Musa reassured the military of continued support and provision of welfare as and when due.
In his address, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, reassured his command’s commitment in tackling terrorism.
According to him, to consolidate media-military synergy for sustainable peace, there’s a need to pursue a number of strategic actions.
“There must be structured and timely communication between the military and media.
“Spokespersons on their 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 sensitised on media relations and the value of press freedom.”
Earlier, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, said his administration would continue to uphold respect to press freedom, and urged the media to stay clear from fake news.
Zulum, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, also commended the military for organising training for the media to enhance collaboration.
