By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Federal Government is considering a proposal to embed journalists with military units during selected operations across the country as part of efforts to improve security reporting and enhance public understanding of ongoing military activities.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, (rtd) revealed the plan on Thursday at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, the minister said the initiative is aimed at fostering closer collaboration between the media and security agencies while promoting greater transparency.
According to Musa, modern security challenges are increasingly shaped by information and public narratives, making the media an essential partner in national security efforts. He stressed that success in military operations should not be measured solely by battlefield achievements but also by the confidence and trust of the public.
He explained that allowing journalists to accompany troops during selected missions would provide firsthand insight into operational realities, encourage more accurate reporting, and reduce misinformation surrounding security operations.
“More than ever before, the media are not only enablers; they are stabilisers of government,” the minister said, adding that the Ministry of Defence is exploring modalities for embedding journalists with military units.
The proposed initiative comes as Nigeria continues to battle insurgency, banditry, and other security threats, with officials expressing hope that stronger cooperation between the military and the media will strengthen public trust and support national security objectives.
