The Nigerian Army, through its Department of Civil–Military Affairs, on Thursday convened its Fourth Quarter 2025 Media Chat in Jos, bringing together security experts, media professionals, and academics to deepen conversations around security reporting and public trust.
Held at Crispan Suites and Event Centre, Rayfield, the engagement centred on the theme: “The Nigerian Security Environment: Role of Strategic Communication in Strengthening Civil–Military Relations.”
Retired Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman, a former Army spokesperson, stressed that truth, trust, transparency, and accountability remain essential for improving collaboration between the military, the media, and the wider civilian population. He expressed concern that longstanding misconceptions—fueled by misinformation, disinformation, and limited synergy—have continued to strain the relationship between both institutions. He urged the media and the military to see themselves as partners in nation-building.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waheed Shaibu, the GOC 3 Division and Commander Operation Enduring Peace, Maj. Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola, noted that the Army is increasingly adopting non-kinetic approaches to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges. He highlighted the transformative impact of ICT on information dissemination, warning that fake news, propaganda, and the malicious disclosure of sensitive information pose significant risks to national security.
“This has necessitated collaboration between the Nigerian Army and media stakeholders to foster a formidable front against shared security challenges,” he said.
Chief of Civil–Military Affairs, Maj. Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, explained that the theme was deliberately chosen to harmonize patriotic efforts between the Army and media practitioners in pursuit of national security objectives. He urged journalists to uphold ethical, credible, and responsible reporting to strengthen public confidence and national unity.
The event also featured a lecture by Prof. Eze Cosmos of the Mass Communication Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who spoke on strategic communication as a tool for countering violent extremism and insurgency. He underscored the importance of shaping narratives that support national security.
Panel discussions involved senior military officers, academics, and media leaders, including Maj. Gen. Mohammed Bello, Brig. Gen. Usman (Rtd), Prof. Taye Obatomi, and Mrs. Ayiku Pwaspo, Chairperson of the NUJ Plateau State Council. The conversations focused on enhancing collaboration, improving reportage, and building public trust.
Special Guest of Honour and Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mallam Salihu Dembos—represented by Mrs. Rifkatu Daniel—commended the Army’s efforts and reaffirmed NTA’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote accurate and responsible journalism.
Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, in his goodwill message, praised the Army for fostering dialogue, noting that non-kinetic strategies remain vital in complementing traditional policing and military operations.
Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr. Polycarp Auta, also applauded the Army’s dedication to peacebuilding and urged continued partnership between the media and security agencies.
The media chat concluded with an interactive session between journalists and the Chief of Civil–Military Affairs, Maj. Gen. Etsu-Ndagi, providing an open forum for questions, feedback, and strengthening cooperation in promoting national security.
