FG Plans to Embed Journalists With Military for Security Reporting

By

The Federal Government has announced plans to explore arrangements that would allow journalists to be embedded with military units during selected operations in a bid to improve the accuracy of security reporting and enhance public understanding of counter-insurgency and internal security efforts.

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), disclosed the initiative on Thursday at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists in partnership with the Department of State Services in Abuja.

Represented by his Special Adviser, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole (retd.), the minister said the proposal is aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies while promoting transparency and building public confidence in military operations.

The summit, themed “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building,” brought together security chiefs, policymakers, media executives, academics and civil society representatives to discuss strategies for addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Musa described the media as a critical stakeholder in national security, noting that modern warfare extends beyond conventional battlefields into the information space.

He stressed that the success of security operations should not be measured solely by battlefield achievements but also by the level of public trust in security institutions.

The minister, however, cautioned journalists against publishing sensitive operational details, warning that such disclosures could jeopardise missions, endanger security personnel and inadvertently aid criminal elements.

According to him, the proposed initiative would enable journalists to accompany military formations during operations, providing firsthand insight into operational realities and improving the quality and depth of security reporting.

“The Defence Ministry is exploring arrangements to embed journalists with military units during operations to enable more accurate reporting and deeper understanding of operational realities,” he said.

Musa added that the initiative reflects the changing nature of modern conflict, which now encompasses both kinetic and non-kinetic dimensions, including strategic communication, information management and community engagement.

Declaring the summit open, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the event was timely in view of increasingly complex global and domestic security threats.

He observed that terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime, organised criminal networks, separatist movements and coordinated disinformation campaigns have compelled governments to rethink conventional security strategies.

“The relationship between the media and security agencies must therefore be founded on mutual respect, professionalism, trust and an appreciation of their complementary roles,” Idris said.

The minister added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration continues to prioritise security under its Renewed Hope Agenda through sustained military operations, intelligence-led interventions, technological investments and community engagement.

He highlighted achievements by security agencies, including the neutralisation of terrorists and other armed groups, the rescue of abducted victims, the dismantling of criminal hideouts and the deployment of advanced military hardware, intelligence systems and surveillance technology.

Idris also urged journalists to uphold professional and ethical standards in security reporting, warning that misinformation and disinformation could undermine ongoing efforts to safeguard national security.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kwara North Unites at Ilorin Rally, Backs Tinubu, Demands Governorship Shift

By
Image
 A large political rally in Ilorin on Tuesday saw renewed support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and strong calls for the governorship of Kwara State to be zoned to Kwara North in 2027. The rally, held at Metropolitan Square, Asa Dam, attracted party members, stakeholders and supporters from across the state, signalling rising political mobilisation ahead of the next election cycle. Speakers at the event stressed the need for equity, fairness and justice in the distribution of political power, urging the All Progressives Congress at both state and national levels to zone its governorship ticket to Kwara North. Representing traditional rulers from the district, the Emir of Lafiagi, Muhammed Kudu Kawu , said the demand reflects the long-standing aspiration of the people. He noted that Kwara North has remained largely excluded from the state’s top leadership despite its contributions to electoral victories and political stability. Kawu added that the district h...
Read more

FG Approves Major NYSC Reform, Introduces Civilian Leadership Structure

By
Image
The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive restructuring of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, marking the first major reform of the scheme since its establishment 53 years ago. The approval was granted at the federal executive council meeting held in Abuja on Monday as part of efforts to reposition the NYSC into a skills-focused and productivity-driven institution aligned with the Federal Government’s economic and youth development agenda. A major component of the reform is the introduction of a civilian-led operational structure for the scheme, while the military will continue to provide security support for corps members across the country. The council also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to provide legal backing for the implementation of the reforms. Announcing the development, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the initiative ...
Read more

NYSC Reform: FG Replaces Khaki Uniform With Adire Fabric

By
Image
The Federal Government has announced that the traditional khaki uniform of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, will be replaced with Adire fabric as part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the scheme and promoting local production. The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, saying the initiative is designed to strengthen indigenous industries and ensure government spending supports Nigeria’s economy. According to the minister, the new NYSC uniform will be produced locally, noting that Adire is already manufactured in several parts of the country, including Ogun and Kwara states. “It’s Adire. So, Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun, we have them in Kwara, we have textile industry. Let’s put our money back into the country,” Olawande said. He explained that the decision forms part of broader reforms intended to boost Nigeria’s textile industry, encourage l...
Read more