The Nigerian Army has called for a stronger working relationship with the media to ensure accurate and balanced reporting of security operations. General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 81 Division, Major-General Babalola Adebayo, made the call during a courtesy visit by members of the Association of Defence Correspondents of Nigeria (ADCON). Adebayo emphasized the importance of balancing reportage, citing that negative news often attracts greater public attention.
Adebayo urged defence correspondents to seek clarification from the Army before publishing information that could be inaccurate or misleading. He promised that the division would make senior and experienced officers available to engage with journalists, adding that regular interaction would help both sides understand their respective responsibilities and improve the quality of security reporting. This move aims to promote mutual understanding and reduce misinformation.
The GOC highlighted the challenges faced by troops operating in difficult environments to protect citizens and safeguard national security. He stressed that members of the armed forces were Nigerians who had chosen to serve across the country out of patriotism and a commitment to protecting lives and property. Adebayo also noted that the security situation had improved tremendously in the past three to four months.
ADCON Chairman, Philip Nwosu, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the relationship between defence correspondents and the military. Nwosu emphasized that members of the association remained committed to accurate and balanced reporting of military activities while retaining their responsibility to hold public authorities accountable for their actions and inactions. He believed that sustained engagement between the military and the media would promote mutual understanding.
Adebayo encouraged journalists to look beyond isolated incidents and consider the wider security situation when reporting military operations. He urged them to approach the division whenever they required clarification about its activities, rather than carrying the wrong narrative. The GOC emphasized that their doors were open for clarification and to provide their side of the story.
The meeting between ADCON members and senior officers of the 81 Division aimed to foster a better understanding of the military's operations and challenges. Both parties recognized the importance of collaboration in promoting national security reporting. The Nigerian Army hopes that this engagement will lead to more accurate and balanced reporting of its activities.
The relationship between the military and the media is crucial in shaping public perception of security operations. By working together, both parties can ensure that the public receives accurate information, ultimately contributing to national security. The Nigerian Army's initiative is seen as a step towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army seeks to improve its relationship with the media to ensure accurate and balanced reporting of security operations.
- The GOC urges defence correspondents to seek clarification before publishing information that could be inaccurate or misleading.
- The security situation in Nigeria has improved tremendously in the past three to four months, according to Major-General Babalola Adebayo.
