By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has identified a strong media-military relationship as crucial for achieving peace and security in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2025 First Quarter Media Chat on Nigeria Army Civil-Military Relations in Gombe, themed “Harnessing Whole of Society Approach to Enhance Information Management: National Security in Perspective,” General Oluyede, represented by Corps Commander Armour, Major General Obinna Ajunwa, emphasized the importance of clear communication, mutual understanding, and strengthened collaboration with journalists and the public.
The chat aimed to develop strategies for building trust, capacity, and sustained synergy with the media. General Oluyede urged journalists to prioritize national interest in their reporting. “Contextualize your reportage to prioritize peace and security of Nigeria, as security is everyone’s business,” he stated.
He highlighted the Army’s use of non-kinetic approaches, including the quarterly media chat, to address security challenges. “We must maintain regular communication to ensure proper and responsible reporting. You must identify and verify content capable of undermining our national peace and security,” he advised.
Major General Gold Uhuoma Chibuisi, Chief of Civil/Military Affairs, reiterated the Army’s commitment to strengthening relationships with citizens and providing accurate information to the media. He assured that more civic strategies would be employed in addressing security issues.
Gombe State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Ethical Orientation, Mijinyawa Muhammad Tilde, acknowledged the timeliness of the theme and the vital role of media in ensuring accountability. He called for accurate and investigative reporting to combat misinformation and fake news.
Professor Umaru Pate, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, addressed the historical friction between the military and journalists, advocating for mutual respect and appreciation of each other’s roles.
Alhaji Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and chairman of the event, recognized the critical roles of the Army and media in national security. He praised the Army’s civil-military relations efforts and emphasized the chat’s potential to foster transparency and collaboration against misinformation.
The event featured presentations on “Multi-Stakeholder Approach in Dealing with Misinformation and Security Challenges: the Role of Information Managers” by Brigadier General Sani Usman Kuka Sheka (Retired), and “Media as Strategic Partners in War Against Insecurity in Nigeria: Whole of Society Approach in Perspective” by Professor Nuhu Gapsiso.
Brigadier General Kuka Sheka underscored the need for journalists to uphold professional standards and combat misinformation.
Panel discussions provided further insights from security experts, academics, and journalists on strengthening media-citizen-military relations. The event concluded with awards of honor and certificates of attendance.