Army Solicits Stronger Partnership With Media

The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Nigerian Army, General Gold Chibuisi, has emphasized the need for a stronger partnership between the military and the media to better inform the public about the activities of the Nigerian Army.

Speaking at a roundtable with members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria DECAN in Abuja, Major General Chibuisi described the forum as one of several platforms the Army plans to leverage in fostering continuous engagement with the media.

He stressed that such collaboration is crucial in strengthening the Army’s relationship with the civil populace.

General Chibuisi noted that building a harmonious relationship between the military and civilians is a work in progress, underlining the importance of public understanding that the Nigerian Army exists to protect and serve them, not as an adversary.

He added that the media plays a vital role in bridging this gap.

Addressing the controversial use of military uniforms by civilians, General Chibuisi warned that impersonating military personnel is illegal and could endanger national security.

“Currently, there are a lot of criminals using military uniforms to perpetrate crimes. If people keep dressing like that, how do you differentiate between a criminal and a genuine soldier?”

He called on the media and the public to assist in sensitization efforts, stressing that offenders should be arrested and prosecuted, rather than subjected to extrajudicial treatment.

Also speaking at the event, DECAN President Ismail Musa reaffirmed journalists’ commitment to reinforcing the crucial bond between the military and the media.

He highlighted that such cooperation is essential in the collective efforts to defeat terrorism, combat crime, and ensure the peace and stability of the nation.

Aisha Adesanya, Edited By Blessing Nyor