By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured Nigerians that the military will not rest until it has hunted down and brought to justice all those responsible for attacks and insurgency in the country, particularly in the North-East.
Represented by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu, Oluyede made the pledge during a high-level media engagement organised by the Nigerian Army in Akure, Ondo State, with the theme “Media Collaboration: Panacea for Enhanced National Security and Development.”
Addressing the recent security challenges plaguing Benue, Plateau and other parts of the country, Oluyede said the Army remains fully committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and internal peace.
He declared that the military would not relent until the perpetrators of violence were neutralised, adding that more elaborate operations would soon be rolled out in Benue State.
He also hinted that some of the violent actors could be foreign elements, as their actions bear no semblance to Nigerian values.
Oluyede revealed that President Bola Tinubu has given the Army clear directives to take decisive steps to end the menace.
While emphasising the importance of civilian cooperation, he called on communities to support the Army with timely and credible information, warning that delays in intelligence sharing hamper rapid response.
He also raised concerns about misinformation on social media and called on journalists to verify reports before publishing, describing the media as a crucial partner in building national unity.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Civil Military Affairs (CCMA), Major General Gold Chibuisi, echoed similar sentiments, calling for deeper synergy between the media and the military in tackling the nation’s rising security threats.
Chibuisi urged journalists to uphold professionalism, shun sensationalism and help shape narratives that promote peace and development.
He said the Army was committed to both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, including dialogue and stakeholder engagement, to win public trust.
The conference also featured a keynote address by retired Colonel T.O. Antigha, Executive Director of the Armed Forces Radio Service, who highlighted efforts by the military to counter fake news and human rights allegations through initiatives like social media seminars, a dedicated Civil-Military Relations Desk, and a weekly public outreach programme, Civil Military Hour.
Academic input came from Dr Ade-Johnson, Head of the Mass Communication Department at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, AAUA, who stressed the role of inclusive communication in national security and called for more collaboration among the military, media, civil society and academia.
The forum concluded with a shared commitment from military and media stakeholders to strengthen cooperation, build public confidence, and work together in the national interest to combat insecurity and drive development.
