The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has emphasized the pivotal role of the media as a force multiplier in enhancing military operations. The Army Chief stated this during the commencement of the Directorate of Army Public Relations study period and the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI) 2023 Media Workshop in Abuja on Tuesday.
Represented by the Commander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General Adeleke Ayannuga, Lagbaja highlighted the theme of the workshop, “Harnessing the Potentials of Media for Effective Military Operations within a Joint Environment.”
The workshop targeted officers of Army Public Relations, Commanding Officers, Defence Correspondents, and media stakeholders. Lagbaja acknowledged the current security challenges, including insurgency, armed banditry, separatist agitations, and kidnapping, and stressed that 21st-century warfare extends beyond the battlefield into cyberspace.
He underscored the significance of media in shaping narratives, influencing public opinion, and garnering support crucial for successful military operations. Lagbaja emphasized the need for continuous collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the media, asserting that such cooperation is vital for fulfilling the constitutional roles of the armed forces.
The COAS encouraged sustained synergy, citing past successes in joint operations facilitated by effective media collaboration. He urged participants to ensure the aggressive continuation of this collaboration to enhance understanding and support for constitutional roles, ultimately contributing to peace and security.
Lagbaja reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to defending the nation and maintaining democratic stability. He pledged the army’s readiness to support civil authority in safeguarding citizens and their properties, vowing to combat elements of subversion and criminal activities that threaten Nigeria’s stability.
In conclusion, Lagbaja charged officers and soldiers to exhibit discipline, dedication, and professionalism. He expressed the army’s commitment to human development through continuous training, both domestically and internationally.
In his welcome remarks, Lt-Col. Adamu Ngulde, Acting Commandant of NASPRI, emphasized the workshop’s purpose: discussing contemporary media and security issues. Ngulde stressed the importance of working closely with the media to promote accurate narratives during military operations. He cautioned against media antipathy, which could pose a threat to national security, and underscored the need for security agencies and the media to collaborate effectively in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
