Nigerian Army Seeks Stronger Media Collaboration To Counter Misinformation, Project Operational Successes
•By OYENIYI KAZEEM
IBADAN – THE General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, has called for stronger collaboration between the military and the media to counter misinformation, project operational successes, and deepen public trust in security operations across the South-West and parts of the North-Central.
Major General Nnebeife made the call on Wednesday during a media parley with journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
He explained that the engagement, though long planned, had been delayed due to pressing security challenges in Kwara and Kogi states, which fall within his operational responsibility.
“To the glory of God, we are here today. I have always wanted to meet with the media, but operational demands, especially in Kwara and Kogi, made it difficult,” the GOC said.
Describing the media as a critical partner in national security, Nnebeife stressed that effective collaboration was essential to ensure accurate reporting and enhance public understanding of military operations.
“We want collaboration with the media so they can carry our success stories. We are facing serious challenges of misinformation, especially during festive periods like the Eids. The media has a vital role to play in correcting false narratives,” he noted.
The GOC commended journalists for their professionalism and objectivity, acknowledging the pressure faced by both the military and the media in a complex security environment.
“I must commend the media for objectivity in reporting. The Nigerian Army is for the people. We exist to serve the people, and we want the media to see us as partners in that service,” he said.
Nnebeife reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to protecting innocent citizens in line with the operational objectives of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), while also addressing concerns about discipline within and outside the military.
“We are under enormous pressure, but we will continue to do our best to protect innocent citizens. At the same time, we are addressing issues of indiscipline, both internally and within society. We appeal for support so that insecurity can be defeated,” he added.
On inter-agency cooperation, the GOC disclosed that the Nigerian Army maintains strong working relationships with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and regional security outfits such as Operation Burst, noting that joint efforts have improved security outcomes.
He reassured residents of the South-West that the region remains largely safe despite isolated security challenges.
“The South-West is still very safe. Even Kwara is safe. Of course, there are challenges, but the situation is under control,” he said.
Major General Nnebeife concluded by reminding the public that military service goes beyond employment and is fundamentally a call to national service.
“The Nigerian military is not for employment; it is for service,” he emphasized.