By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has reiterated that cooperation between the Nigerian Armed Forces and the media must be regarded as an essential partnership rather than a matter of choice, stressing that it is critical to winning the war against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other security threats facing the nation.
General Musa made this known on Wednesday during a one-day media stakeholders’ seminar held at the Nigerian Army Officers’ Mess and Suites, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, Borno State.
The seminar, the third edition organized this year by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), carried the theme: “Consolidating Media–Military Synergy for Sustainable Peace in Nigeria.”
Represented at the forum by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, the CDS said the Armed Forces remain steadfast in discharging their constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He praised the sacrifices of troops across various operational theatres, particularly those in the North East—who, despite harsh and dangerous conditions, continue to risk their lives daily to ensure peace and security for Nigerians.
General Musa stressed that military firepower alone cannot guarantee lasting peace. According to him, success in modern warfare goes beyond bullets and requires deliberate efforts in communication, perception management, and public trust-building. He urged the media to play a central role in countering extremist propaganda, providing accurate narratives, and supporting peacebuilding efforts.
He added that security must be cultivated through civic engagement and responsible reporting, calling on journalists to see themselves as partners in national security and nation-building.
While commending the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, for his exemplary leadership and the tireless efforts of his troops in combating Boko Haram and ISWAP remnants, the CDS said the resilience of Nigerian soldiers must be matched with responsible media narratives that inspire hope and confidence among citizens.
Delivering the keynote address, Major General Abubakar echoed the call for stronger collaboration between the military and the media. He noted that Nigeria continues to grapple with complex and layered security challenges, ranging from insurgency and terrorism in the North East, to banditry in the North West, militancy in the Niger Delta, secessionist agitation in the South East, and communal clashes across various regions.
He stressed that these challenges are not only fought on the battlefield but also in the information space, where the media plays a decisive role in shaping perceptions.
The Theatre Commander warned against misinformation, sensationalism, and unverified reporting, pointing out that such practices have, in the past, compromised military operations and put lives at risk. He called for structured, consistent communication channels between security agencies and journalists, with clear guidelines that balance the need for operational secrecy with the demands of press freedom.
To further strengthen this relationship, Major General Abubakar recommended periodic training for journalists on conflict-sensitive reporting and the dangers of amplifying propaganda. He also advocated sensitization for military officers on the importance of engaging the press and respecting media freedom.
He noted that mutual understanding would not only enhance the effectiveness of security operations but also build the public confidence necessary for sustainable peace.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, commended General Musa and the DDMO for creating a platform for dialogue between the military and the media. He pledged his administration’s commitment to supporting press freedom but cautioned journalists to uphold accuracy, professionalism, and responsibility in their reporting.
According to him, fake news undermines counter-terrorism operations, spreads fear among the populace, and weakens the pillars of democracy.The seminar also featured expert paper presentations. Professor Usman Tar, a former lecturer at the Nigerian Defence Academy and communication strategist, delivered a lecture on “Strategic Communication as a Tool for Strengthening Civil–Military Relations in Conflict Zones.”
In his paper, he argued that effective communication reduces distrust, builds confidence, and enhances collaboration between communities and security agencies. On his part, Professor Abubakar Mua’zu of the University of Maiduguri presented a paper titled “Ethical Journalism and Responsible Reporting in Security Matters: Building Trust for National Unity,” where he emphasized the importance of accuracy, ethics, and objectivity in reporting sensitive security issues.
At the end of the seminar, participants including journalists, academics, security experts, and senior military officers unanimously agreed that for Nigeria to overcome terrorism and achieve sustainable peace, the pen and the sword must not work in opposition but in complement, reinforcing each other in the service of national security and stability.
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