April 26, 2025
The Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, has sought for stronger partnership with journalists for enhanced security operations and to enlighten the public on military activities.
Gusau made the call at a roundtable meeting with the members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Sokoto State chapter on Thursday in Sokoto.
He said the interactive session was initiated to reach out to working journalists at their respective formations and establish viable links that would further strengthen the relationship.
Gusau said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, had approved the visits aimed at fostering mutual understanding and strengthening civil-military cooperation for national development.
He reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to supporting the initiatives and contributing meaningfully to national growth.
Gusau stated that the initiative was among many platforms that were intended to leverage to keep the military and media engaged as partners in the work of interacting with members of the public.
“The role media play in covering military programmes is crucial, and it is important that you understand us to be able to reflect our activities well.
“Also, through your work, we are able to get feedback on the impact of our programmes, our activities, and our operations.
“So, it is a symbiotic relationship, and I want to once again appreciate you for all that you have been doing in supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces, and I look forward to more meaningful engagements and even better relationships going forward,” he said.
The director underscored the importance of maintaining efforts to ensure harmonious relationship between the military and the civil populace was a work in progress.
He said there was the need for people to understand that the military was their own army and not their enemy, adding that the media had important role to play towards achieving that.
According to him, every Nigerian should realise and understand that every military personnel comes from a family and a community in the country.
Responding, the state Chairman of NUJ, Mr Usman Binji, reaffirmed the journalists’ commitment to strengthening the vital bond between the military and the media.
Binji said the partnership was essential to defeating banditry, kidnapping for ransom, combating crime, and securing the peace and stability of the nation.
He pledged sustained collaboration with the armed forces, and all the relevant security institutions.
“Through accurate, investigative, and balanced reporting, we aim to enhance public understanding, promote national security, and showcase the sacrifices made daily by our gallant troops.
“We are acutely aware of the sensitivity and complexity of national security reporting.
“ We prioritise continuous engagement with the security agencies especial the armed forces,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting featured discussions on security challenges and the need for sustained civic and media partnerships. (NAN)