The federal government is considering a new project that would allow journalists to join military forces on specific operations.
This was supposed to be in an effort to improve security reporting and provide the public with a better understanding of the reality of counterinsurgency and other internal security activities.
Gen. Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence, announced the plan at the National Security Summit hosted by the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Abuja on Thursday.
Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, the minister’s special adviser, stated that the proposed arrangement would improve collaboration between media and security agencies and promote transparency in military activities.
Musa stated that the media have a vital role in shaping public perceptions of security operations and national stability and that security management has expanded beyond traditional battlefields.
He noted that current conflicts are more impacted by information and narratives, making the media a critical player in the country’s security strategy.
According to the minister, the effectiveness of security operations should not be measured just by military achievements but also by residents’ trust in security organisations.
“More than ever before, the media are not only enablers; they are stabilisers of government.
“The defence ministry is exploring arrangements to embed journalists with military units during operations to enable more accurate reporting and deeper understanding of operational realities,” he said.
Musa stated that the project was part of the ministry’s broader attempts to increase communication with the media and ensure that information about military operations is appropriately communicated to the public.
He emphasised that better cooperation between journalists and security institutions will help to increase public trust and boost national security outcomes.
The planned agreement comes as Nigeria faces numerous security concerns, including insurgency.
Security services have frequently faced criticism for limiting access to operational areas, which has resulted in misinformation, inconsistent reports, and public mistrust regarding frontline developments.
