The Ministry of Defence, the National Security Adviser (NSA), and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have called for a stronger media-security partnership to help tackle Nigeria’s growing security challenges and counter misinformation.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu tasked defence and security spokespersons to proactively engage Nigerians and build public trust, stressing that clearer communication will improve citizens’ confidence in the military and security agencies.
The Ministry of Defence, under Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), has emphasized the need for a unified and integrated approach to intelligence gathering and operations, particularly in the face of asymmetric warfare.
Musa said agencies have been operating in isolation for too long and must now come together to harness collective intelligence and work as a unified team to support troops and safeguard the nation.
The NUJ leadership has welcomed structured engagements, including regular press briefings and interface sessions, arguing that consistent communication will enable citizens to better understand reforms and innovations in security operations.
The union has proposed quarterly ministerial press briefings and collaboration in capacity development, with a focus on equipping journalists with a deeper understanding of security reporting, national interest and responsible information dissemination.
Earlier media-security seminars have stressed that the military and media are strategic partners whose collaboration is critical in countering misinformation, building public trust and promoting national unity.
The seminars have advocated structured communication, conflict-sensitive reporting, joint workshops and the highest ethical standards in information dissemination, especially in the digital age where fake news spreads rapidly.
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