Lieutenant General Taofeed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, has emphasized the crucial role of journalists in counter-insurgency efforts, asserting that the military cannot effectively tackle insurgency, banditry, and other security challenges without robust media support.
During the Nigerian Army’s civil-military cooperation media chat for the third quarter of 2024 in Makurdi, Benue State, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, represented by Major General Hilary Nzan, Commander of the 4 Special Forces Command Headquarters, stressed the necessity of a strong partnership between the military and the media for national security.
“The Nigerian Army reaffirms its commitment to fostering a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with the media, which is vital for securing our nation’s territorial integrity and promoting socio-economic development,” he stated. He highlighted the media’s important role in keeping the public informed about governmental actions and civic duties.
Lagbaja called for enhanced civil-military cooperation while upholding democratic values, human rights, and press freedom. “The Nigerian Army is committed to improving media access to our operations while ensuring operational security, which highlights the need for a transparent communication strategy,” he added.
He reported significant achievements in the military’s campaign against insurgency and banditry, noting intensified operations tailored to specific regional security threats. “I’m pleased to announce substantial successes across multiple fronts, including the neutralization of several terrorists and their leaders, the rescue of kidnapped individuals, and the repatriation of internally displaced persons. Our efforts have also considerably increased crude oil production and strengthened food security,” he remarked.
Major General Nosakhare Ugbo, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, reiterated that the Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic operations are designed to secure the support and cooperation of the civilian populace. “As we fulfill our constitutional duties, the backing and collaboration of the people are essential to our operational effectiveness and achievements,” he emphasized.
