The Nigerian Army has called on media practitioners to prioritize accuracy and responsible reporting when covering security matters, stating that intelligence is not a luxury but a strategic necessity for national defence.
Speaking at a media stakeholders’ forum in Abuja on Thursday, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, emphasized that inaccurate reporting could compromise military operations and endanger the lives of troops and civilians alike.
“Intelligence is the backbone of every successful military operation. It is not a luxury we can do without; it is a strategic necessity. The media must help us by verifying information before publication,” Lagbaja said.
He also appealed to journalists to avoid sensationalism and refrain from disclosing operational details that could alert adversaries to military movements or strategies.
The Army chief further disclosed that the military is working on strengthening its partnership with media organizations to ensure balanced reporting that supports counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts.
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) welcomed the call, pledging to reinforce ethical standards among its members. However, some rights groups cautioned that media accuracy should not be used as a pretext to stifle press freedom or shield the military from legitimate scrutiny.
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