Theatre Commander urges synergy between media, military to combat insecurity
The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, has called for stronger collaboration between the media and the military to enhance peace and national security.
Speaking in Maiduguri on Wednesday, at a seminar on “Consolidating Media-Military Synergy for Sustainable Peace,” Abubakar said peace and stability cannot be achieved by the security forces or the media working in isolation.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria defends territorial integrity, confronts insurgencies, and protects lives and property. The media, on the other hand, shapes perceptions, informs the public, and holds institutions accountable. These roles, though distinct, are inextricably linked,” he said.
He warned that lack of trust between both institutions fuels misinformation, erodes public confidence, and undermines cohesion. According to him, Nigeria’s security challenges, insurgency, banditry, militancy, and communal clashes, are also battles of public perception.
Abubakar noted that misinformation and sensationalism have at times hindered operations, while hostility toward journalists has created mistrust. He stressed the need for structured communication, conflict-sensitive reporting, and sensitisation of military personnel on press freedom.
“Let us choose dialogue over division, facts over fear, and unity over discord,” the commander added.
