Defence Minister says initiative will improve transparency, reduce misinformation and strengthen public trust in security agencies
The Federal Government is considering a new initiative that would allow selected journalists to accompany military personnel during security operations to provide firsthand reports from the frontlines.
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, disclosed this on Thursday at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja, saying the move is aimed at improving public understanding of counterinsurgency and other internal security efforts.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, Musa said the media remains a key partner in national security, noting that modern conflicts are increasingly shaped by information and public perception.
He explained that the proposed arrangement would enable journalists to gain deeper insight into military operations while promoting accurate reporting and reducing misinformation.
According to him, security success should not only be measured by military achievements but also by citizens’ confidence in security institutions.
The minister added that the Defence Ministry is strengthening its relationship with the media to ensure better communication on security matters as Nigeria continues to tackle insurgency and other security challenges.