Army seeks media support for military operations, national security

To guarantee a free press and effective military operations in the interest of national security, the Nigerian Army has appealed for enhanced media and military collaborators.

The call for media and military collaboration was made at the one-day Army service-military cooperation Media Chat, third quarter of 2024 currently being held in Makurdi, Benue State capital.

In welcome remarks, the chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General NC Ugbo at the event, themed “The Media and the Military: Allies in Pursuit of National Security”, highlighted the vital partnership between the media and the Nigerian Army in our effort to enhance national security.

Ugbo noted that the media is a major stakeholder in the security ecosystem hence the need for a cooperative relationship to ensure effective military operations.

“The Nigerian Army values this opportunity to strengthen our collaboration, improve communication, and build a robust relationship with you all,” Ugbo said.

“Our collaboration and cooperation with the media is crucial for enhanced civil-military cooperation towards advancing our collective security. The people’s support and cooperation are crucial to our operational effectiveness and success.

“The conduct of the Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic line of operations is geared towards securing the support and cooperation of the civil populace as we carry out our constitutional responsibilities.

“We believe the media is a critical medium through which we can reach the people. Hence, today’s theme underscores the importance of our alliance and partnership with the media in guaranteeing and providing the much-needed peoples support towards the realisation of our shared desires for a secure, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

“The Nigerian Army, aside carrying out its stated constitutional obligations is dedicated to building relationships that foster understanding and unity among our people.

“This Media Chat provides an opportunity for us to strengthen our engagement with the media, boost public awareness, and build a culture of trust and cooperation essential for our collective security and prosperity.

“As we engage in today’s discussions, let us be reminded of the values of collaboration, the significance of professionalism and excellence in our respective endeavours, the imperative of responsible conduct in military operations, and the role of the media as watchdogs.

“I wish to state that as our world becomes increasingly interconnected through the combined impacts of advances in technology and globalization, the security environment has become volatile, adaptive and therefore, unpredictable.

“Such a complex security environment demands that everyone should contribute their quota in navigating its challenges. Specifically, a very solid military-media alliance is imperative to enhancing national security and socio-economic well-being.

“As the media continues to inform, and shape public perceptions and understanding of security issues, the military is expected to conduct the required operations to decimate our common adversaries.

“It is crucial that we use this opportunity to enhance our partnership and reaffirm our commitment to protecting our shared values while honouring our diverse cultures and professions.”

The Army chief urged the participants to take advantage of the gathering to provide a veritable platform for the Nigerian Army, media executives, and all attendees to engage in meaningful discussions that will advance our collective goals for a secure and prosperous Nigeria.

In a keynote address, the founder of THISDAY newspaper, Arise Television, chief Nduka Obaigbena, charged the Nigeria military not to kill the media but to collaborate to secure national security.

Obaigbena who commended the military for their untiring sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, disclosed that media and military collaboration will enhance military operations

Obaigbena called on President Bola Tinubu to increase the yearly budget of the military to 25 percent to enhance proper funding to enable the to military produce military hardware.

He also appealed to the president to earmark 25 percent of the budget for the education of out-of-school children and 25 percent for fighting poverty in the country.

Obaigbena warned that if proper attention and precautionary steps are not taken to guarantee a peaceful nation, the aftermath of the crisis in the Middle East and Ukraine may add up to the current insecurity in the country.