The Nigerian Army, through its Department of Civil–Military Affairs, convened a strategic media engagement in Jos as part of its Fourth Quarter 2025 Media Chat. The event brought together security experts and journalists to brainstorm on improving security reporting and strengthening public confidence.
With the theme “The Nigerian Security Environment: Role of Strategic Communication in Strengthening Civil–Military Relations,” the engagement focused on enhancing communication, countering misinformation, and building trust across communities.
In his welcome address, Maj. Gen. Musa Estu Ndagu, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), highlighted the event’s aim to strengthen collaboration between the Army and media stakeholders in addressing security challenges.
He urged media practitioners to report responsibly and ethically, while assuring that the Army remains committed to providing accurate and timely information. Maj. Gen. Ndagu also thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Wahid Shaibu, for supporting the initiative.
Delivering the keynote address, Lt. Gen. Wahid Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff, represented by Maj. Gen. EF Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army, stressed the importance of strategic communication in strengthening civil-military relations. He noted that ICT advancements have made the media a powerful tool for both positive and negative influence.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu urged journalists to verify information, avoid spreading harmful content, and maintain transparency to build public trust while protecting national security interests.
He also called on Nigerians to support the Army’s operations and praised the dedication of troops safeguarding the nation. He reaffirmed the Army’s loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and the Constitution.
The Special Guest of Honour, Mallam Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, Director-General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), represented by Mrs. Rifkatu Daniel, Zonal Director, highlighted the importance of strategic communication in fostering trust and cooperation between the media and the military. She assured that NTA stations across Nigeria remain committed to supporting the Army and will honor invitations to collaborate in promoting accurate and responsible reporting.
During the event, Maj. Joel Reuben Mamza highlighted the Nigerian Army’s Civil-Military Relations and Cooperation activities, emphasizing initiatives that promote understanding, trust, and collaboration with communities.
Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman (Rtd), Consultant Director, Corporate Affairs and Information, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, delivered a lecture on emerging technology and its impact on the media, stressing the need for military-media collaboration to ensure accurate information dissemination and counter misinformation.
Prof. Eze Cosmos, Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, discussed strategic communication as a tool for countering violent extremism and insurgency, emphasizing its role in shaping public perception and supporting national security efforts.
The event also featured panel discussions. The first panel included Maj. Gen. Mohammed Bello, Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman (Rtd), and Maj. Gen. Iliyasu, moderated by Adesua Omoruwa, Arise TV.
The second panel featured Prof. Taye Obatomi, Mrs. Ayiku Pwaspo, Chairperson, Nigerian Union of Journalists, and Prof. Eze Cosmos, moderated by Ahmed Tijjani, Unity FM Jos, focusing on strategic communication and collaboration between media and military.
In his goodwill message, CP Emmanuel Adesina, Commissioner of Police, Plateau State, praised the Nigerian Army for organizing the event, stressing the importance of dialogue and non-kinetic approaches alongside traditional security measures to enhance peace and stability.
Mr. Polycarp Auta, Chairman, Correspondents’ Chapel, commended the Army for ensuring peace and security and urged continued collaboration between journalists and security agencies to promote community harmony.
The media chat concluded with an interactive session between the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj. Gen. Musa Estu Ndagu, and journalists, providing a platform for open dialogue, questions, and discussions to strengthen understanding and cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the media.
