As part of the multifaceted approaches adopted by the Nigerian Army (NA) in ensuring that it achieves enhanced Military-Media Relations and Civil-Military Relations (CMR) as it actively discharges its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment, the NA on 20 September 2023 held a Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Media Chat for the Third Quarter 2023 at the Tiger Officers’ Mess, Agodi Ibadan, Oyo State, with the theme “Leveraging Media to Enhance Nigeria’s Internal Security Operations”.
The event which is organized every quarter aimed at keeping the media informed of its CIMIC and CMR activities, providing an avenue for the NA and the media to exchange ideas on mutually benefitting issues. As well as to dispel rumours and provide accurate and timely information to the media as an important segment of nation building.
In his Remarks, the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH), the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja said the NA has adopted a multidimensional approach requiring the collaboration of all, especially the media in confronting the security challenges. He stressed that the security environment in Nigeria has drastically evolved such that the NA is deployed to combat terrorists, insurgents and other criminals in all part of the country. The successful conduct of these operations require the support and efforts of the populace and media. Hence, the need for regular forum for more detailed examination of issues with a view to enhance the Military-Media Relations (MMR) and CMR.
The SGOH who was ably represented by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj Gen BA Alabi stressed that the country requires a healthy MMR to create a positive perception that would sustain popular support to the NA’s Counter-Terrorism Operations and other operations being conducted to secure the country and protect innocent citizens. Therefore, media remains a key partner in our non-kinetic line of operation for the security of the country.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj Gen NC Ugbo said the NA has continually emplaced measures to strengthen the CMR in Nigeria, adding that the NA has achieved this through enhanced CIMIC activities, effective liaison, visits to relevant stakeholders, advocacy and mediations, as well as seminars, workshops and conferences among others.
Maj Gen Ugbo stated that within the NA, deliberate efforts have been institutionalized to enhance professionalism among troops towards achieving the NA constitutional responsibilities.
“These include enhanced training of personnel, sensitization and equipping to ensure that our troops remain resolute in the discharge of their duties within the ambit of the laws of armed conflicts, and in tandem with best practices. These mechanisms are further reinforced by the COAS resolve *”To transform the NA into a Well-Trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force towards achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment”*, he said.
He further maintained that in addition to aforementioned approaches, the NA also organizes Social Media Seminars which serve as avenue for interaction with social media influencers, content creators, bloggers and online journalists among others, aimed at enhancing already existing NA partnership with the media and members of the civil society.
Participants were immensely enriched with vast experiences and contributions by resource persons and host of numerous media executives. Present at the event, include serving and retired senior military officers, heads of various security agencies, media executives, members of general public and journalists among others.
