The Nigerian Army, through its Department of Civil–Military Affairs, on Thursday convened the Fourth Quarter 2025 Media Chat in Jos, bringing together security experts, media practitioners, academics, and strategic communication specialists to deepen conversations around security reporting, public trust, and national unity.
The engagement, held at Crispan Suites and Event Centre, Rayfield, centred on the theme “The Nigerian Security Environment: Role of Strategic Communication in Strengthening Civil–Military Relations.” The conference highlighted rising security challenges, the influence of information technology, and the urgent need for accurate, ethical, and responsible communication.
Retired Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, former spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, set the tone by emphasising that truth, trust, transparency, and accountability remain crucial pillars in rebuilding and strengthening the relationship between the media and the military. He expressed concern over longstanding misconceptions fuelled by misinformation, disinformation, and poor synergy, noting that these issues have significantly strained civil–military relations over the years. He urged both institutions to view each other as partners in nation-building whose roles are indispensable for peace and stability.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Waheed Shaibu, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Eyitayo Oyinlola, said the Nigerian Army is increasingly adopting non-kinetic approaches to address the nation’s evolving security threats. He noted that the advancement of ICT has significantly changed how information spreads, making fake news, propaganda, and the irresponsible release of sensitive information major risks to national security.
“This has necessitated collaboration between the Nigerian Army and media stakeholders to foster a formidable front against shared security challenges,” he stated, adding that the Army will continue to engage the public through open communication and strategic partnerships.
Chief of Civil–Military Affairs, Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, explained that the theme of the event was intentionally chosen to harmonise patriotic efforts between the Army and media practitioners in pursuit of national security objectives. He urged journalists to uphold the highest standards of credible, ethical, and responsible reporting to strengthen public confidence and national cohesion.
A key highlight of the event was a lecture delivered by Professor Eze Cosmos of the Mass Communication Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who examined strategic communication as a powerful tool for combating violent extremism and insurgency. He stressed the importance of shaping narratives that promote peace, counter extremist ideologies, and reinforce national unity.
The media chat also featured an engaging panel discussion involving senior military officers, academics, and media leaders, including Major General Mohammed Bello, Brigadier General Usman (Rtd), Professor Taye Obatomi, and Mrs. Ayiku Pwaspo, Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Plateau State Council. Discussions centred on improving collaboration, enhancing security reportage, building trust, and creating unified approaches to information management.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mallam Salihu Dembos—represented by Mrs. Rifkatu Daniel—commended the Nigerian Army for sustaining dialogue with media professionals. He reaffirmed NTA’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote accurate, balanced, and responsible journalism.
Delivering a goodwill message, Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, praised the Army for advancing non-kinetic strategies that complement policing and armed operations. He noted that such engagements play a major role in strengthening security frameworks across the country.
Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr. Polycarp Auta, also commended the Army for prioritising peacebuilding and encouraged sustained collaboration with media organisations to improve public enlightenment.
The event concluded with an interactive session between journalists and the Chief of Civil–Military Affairs, Major General Etsu-Ndagi, offering participants an opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, and collectively explore ways of enhancing national security through effective communication and strengthened civil–military relations.
The Fourth Quarter Media Chat underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to openness, partnership, and strategic engagement as essential tools for addressing contemporary security challenges in Nigeria.
