There is Need For Balance Between Military Actions, Citizen's Protection National Security and Information Dissemination - COAS

The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has stated that while balancing the complexity of military actions, the Nigerian army is striving to track the strategic balance between the protection of law-abiding citizens, national security and the rights of the media to disseminate information.

He stated this at the opening of a 2-Day Training for Media Operatives in Nigeria, organized by the Army HeadquarteStaff Lieutenant General litary AOluyede stat at the Army Resource Centre in Abuja, 

The COAS who was represented by the Director General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Major General Gbemiga Adesina said while the media is charged with the responsibility of providing the public with timely and useful information about the events in the country, it must strive to balance meeting the need to avail the people with valuable information and discerning what is detrimental to national security. 

"Against this backdrop, the Nigerian army dimmed it expedient to hold these training to facilitate media practitioners functional knowledge about the dynamics of Nigerian's professional activities. The forum is also aimed at improving the knowledge and aptitude of media practitioners in military operations to ensure safety"

" It is pertinent to state that as countries and security stations continue to evolve, public institutions like the media must also evolve to meet the challenges" stated the COAS. 

The Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Army (CCMA), Major General Gold Chibuisi emphasized that a whole of society approach is needed to tackle the ever evolving threats hence the need for military and the media to build understanding rooted in trust, accuracy and balance, reporting. 

"The military affairs training is an initiative in funders of the nigeria army's commitment to enhancing civil military relations and fostering a more informed professional and secure information environment" 

this training is a strategic collaboration aimed at exposing media professionals to necessary doctrines of the army it also intends to acquaint you with the nature and dynamics of military operations and strategies communication so that reporting on defense and security issues is both informed and sensitive to national security interests as the global advancement in informational technology has made the media's place a warfare domain of its own with far-reaching impact on territorial warfare"

"we must therefore bear in mind that information misinformation propaganda and sensual sensationalism can undermine the morale of our truth compromise operations and even endanger lives. On the other hand accurate and constructive reporting can govern as national support, enhance accountability and contribute positively to our collective security"

Major General Chibuisi pointed out that a well-informed media is a strategic partner in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other security threats confronting the nation. 

He appreciated the Chief of Army Staff for continueously providing strategic direction, support, and resources needed for the event.