The Nigerian Army said the media has a responsibility to provide timely and useful information to the public while ensuring that such information does not compromise national security.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said this yesterday in Abuja, at the opening of 2-day training for Media Operators in Nigeria.
The training was organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs.
Oluyede represented by the Director-General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Maj.-Gen. Gbemiga Adesina, noted that the Nigerian Army was taking proactive approach in its collaboration with the media.
He said this was with a view to building trust and cooperation in the pursuit of national security.
He noted that the Nigerian army had strived to strike a strategic balance between protecting law-abiding citizens, national security, and the media’s right to disseminate information.
He explained that the training highlighted the significance of collaboration between the military and the media in addressing security challenges.
According to him, as security situations evolve public institutions like the media must also adapt to meet the challenges of our time.
“This training is timely, especially with the Nigerian Army deployed in various theatres of operation.
“Its objective is to facilitate a conducive working relationship between the military and the media.
“I believe it is essential for security agencies and the media to engage in forums like this, as both parties work towards the same purpose; a secure Nigeria where every individual is important.
“I am encouraged by the array of speakers lined up for this event and I am confident that we will all be better equipped to advance national security.”