Military Needs Media to Defeat Terrorists, Defence Minister Declares
0
0
Military Needs Media to Defeat Terrorists, Defence Minister Declares
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), on Wednesday declared that the military cannot effectively prosecute Nigeria’s war against terrorism and other security threats without the support of the media, stressing the need for stronger collaboration in the fight against asymmetric warfare.
Musa said responsible and professional journalism had become indispensable to national security, urging defence correspondents to prioritise accuracy, fairness and balance in reporting military operations.
The minister spoke in Abuja while receiving the executive members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria, DECAN, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Defence.
READ ALSO: NITDA Trains Civil Servants, Says Digital Skills Key to AI Adoption
“The military really needs the media at this period of asymmetric warfare. My office will continue to maintain an open-door policy to foster a cordial relationship with the media and ensure the dissemination of accurate information to the public,” he said.
He noted that timely and credible information was critical to sustaining public confidence in the Armed Forces and countering misinformation capable of undermining ongoing security operations.
Musa assured the journalists that the ministry would sustain regular engagement with the media and consider proposals presented by the association, promising to implement those considered immediately feasible.
He further charged defence correspondents to remain objective in reporting security issues, saying responsible journalism was vital to national security and public trust.
Earlier, the President of DECAN, Odita Sunday, congratulated Musa on his appointment as Minister of Defence, describing it as a recognition of his competence, professionalism and commitment to national service.
Sunday disclosed that the association had resolved to confer on the minister the title of Grand Patron of DECAN at its Conference and Award ceremony scheduled for October 2026.
He added that the event would also feature the launch of the association’s publication, Defence Correspondents.
According to him, the honour is in recognition of Musa’s support for defence journalism and his contributions to national security.
The DECAN president also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to factual, balanced and responsible reporting of defence matters, while commending the Armed Forces for the sacrifices of its personnel in tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
He appealed for regular media engagements and timely dissemination of information by the Ministry of Defence, saying stronger collaboration with defence correspondents would enhance public confidence in the military, promote patriotism and ensure Nigerians have access to credible information on defence activities.
