By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Yahaya Umar Farouq has said that media as an important component in the nation’s progress and development play a very significant role in the society and have been actively involved in the Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic lines of operation towards ensuring a peaceful and secured Nigeria.
The COAS, who was represented by the immediate past Theater Commander, Operation Hadin Kai JTF, Major General Chris G. Musa, stated this on Thursday during the Civil-Military Cooperation Quarterly Media Chat for First Quarter of 2023, which was held in Maiduguri.
Lt. Gen. Farouq explained that the media plays an essential role in objective reportage and perception management and It is in recognition of this fact and the quest to achieve effective dissemination of Nigerian Army’s Operational achievements and Civil Military Cooperation activities that the Army Headquarters, Department of Civil Military Affairs is organizing a quarterly Media Chats to acquaint the general public on the Civil Military Cooperation activities conducted by the Nigerian Army.’
He said: “It is well known, modern military operations take place in complex environments characterized by challenges that work against the public well-being of the affected societies.”
” This media chat is timely as it is coming up about 2 weeks before the 2023 General Elections where the Nigerian Army will be tasked to provide security in support of civil authority. While in providing such supports, the militaries’ involvement are often questioned by sections of the society and the media chat provides an avenue to clarify the extent of our involvement and also helps to shape public perspectives on the roles of the Army in this situation.
The COAS commended the Department of Civil Military Affairs, for this noble initiative, which is in pursuant of the Nigerian Army’s drive in keeping the media informed of its Civil Military Cooperation activities, to dispel rumors while also providing accurate and timely information to the media in tandem with international best practices.
”Consequently, the military is confronted with non-combat tasks and demoralizing media reports at times as the media play its role such as social responsibility which bears directly shapes or influences impacts on the public opinions and perceptions.
”The military, in conjunction with humanitarian organisations such as United Nations Agencies, International Non-Governmental Organizations, International Organizations, Civil Society Organisations (CSOS) and civil authorities play specialized roles in.alleviating the suffering of the general populace and lessening the effects of military operations,” Lt. Gen. Farouq said.
The COAS further stated that,” the engagement of other stakeholders through collaborative interactions would further enhance service delivery. And the Nigerian Army has recognized the importance of cooperation amongst stakeholders as an essential component of mission success.
”Therefore, stakeholders are persistently confronted with the complexities of managing divergent interests especially in the face of media influence and other non-state actors. While the need for Civil Military Relations is further strengthened by the continuous involvement of the Nigerian Army in Peace Support Operations and Internal Security Operations such as counter insurgency, anti-banditry, anti-kidnapping vis-a-vis other humanitarian services,” Yahaya added.
The COAS acknowledged the good works of the Department of Civil Military Affairs in ensuring the media are carried along in the activities of the Nigerian Army towards securing the nation while thanking the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, for his continuous support to the Nigerian Army and for providing the conducive environment necessary for Army to carry its constitutional mandate.
He also thanked the Honourable Minister of Defence Maj Gen. Salihi Magashi (rtd) and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. LEO Irabor for always providing strategic guidance and support to the Nigerian Army as well as officers and soldiers for their loyalty and enthusiasm in the discharge of their duties in service of our fatherland.
”We remember the unquantifiable sacrifices of our colleagues who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty of bringing peace to our dear country”, COAS Farouq was quoted as saying while paying tributes to the fallen heroes.
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