CDS Calls for Military-Media Synergy to Tackle Insecurity in Nigeria

By Adamu Aliyu Ngulde, Maiduguri

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, on Wednesday called for stronger collaboration between the military and the media to address terrorism, banditry and recurring communal clashes across the country.

Speaking at the opening of the third-quarter 2025 Stakeholders Seminar on Consolidating Media-Military Synergy for Sustainable Peace in Maiduguri, Musa said the two institutions must complement each other in promoting peace, national unity and democratic values.

The seminar was organized by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations, headquartered in Abuja.

Represented by Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, director of defence media operations, Musa said, “The synergy between the media and military must be viewed not as an option but as a strategic and inevitable partnership to end insecurity.”

Kangye added that security challenges such as terrorism, violent extremism, separatist agitations and farmer-herder clashes require coordinated efforts, including positive narratives, stakeholder engagement and effective communication with communities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

He commended the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, for troops’ sacrifices in safeguarding lives and property in the North.

Abubakar, who delivered a keynote address, said military spokespersons must adhere to protocols to ensure information shared with the public is accurate, verified and responsibly disseminated.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by Commissioner of Information and Internal Security Prof. Usman Tar, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to press freedom but urged journalists to avoid spreading misinformation, warning that fake news could worsen insecurity.

In a paper presentation, Prof. Abubakar Mua’zu of the University of Maiduguri highlighted the role of strategic communication in strengthening civil-military relations in conflict zones. He stressed the importance of ethical journalism in reporting security matters to foster peace and unity.