Abuja — Officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces have called for continuous collaboration between the military and the media to promote peace, unity, and national security across the country.
They made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the maiden Press Week organised by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)-NUJ Headquarters Chapel, themed “The Place of the Media in Shaping and Sustaining National Value.”
Speaking at the event, the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, commended journalists for their crucial role in amplifying the efforts of the military.
Represented by Maj. Akinola Ajibola, Staff Officer in charge of Public Information, Anele acknowledged that while the army operates largely out of public view, the media remains essential in showcasing its activities and sacrifices.
“The army is not known for showcasing its activities publicly because much of our work is done in private,” Anele said. “But we appreciate the media for amplifying our work. To ensure peace in the country, you must also act responsibly as gatekeepers. We will keep counting on your support to ensure Nigeria progresses because we have no other country.”
Anele emphasised that security and national stability are prerequisites for societal activities, recalling her experiences in Maiduguri in 2016, when insurgency crippled economic and social life in the city.
“If we do not fight this insurgency, insurgency will fight us,” she warned, urging journalists to continue projecting the efforts of the armed forces “in good light.”
She also explained that information from the army may not be released as quickly as the public expects, due to the need for proper verification and clearance before dissemination.
“So, journalists should bear with us. We sincerely appreciate your efforts in supporting the Nigerian Army and the nation,” she added.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, represented by Sqn. Ldr. Olayinka Lawal, described journalists as vital partners in national security operations.
Ejodame highlighted that while the military’s kinetic operations account for only 25 per cent of counter-insurgency efforts, the remaining 75 per cent depends on the public’s cooperation, particularly through information sharing and civic responsibility.
“That is why we keep coming back to journalists and Nigerians for their support,” he said. “The fight against insurgency requires collective responsibility. The Air Force can only do 25 per cent — the rest lies with the people.”
He noted that the NAF has been fostering closer relations with civilians, exemplified during the Nigerian Air Force Day celebration, where bases were opened to the public.
“We opened our base and barracks to Nigerians so they could see that our officers are human too — fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters — many of whom have not seen their families for months while serving at the war front,” Ejodame said. “Support the armed forces through intelligence sharing and prayers.”
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Dr. Yusuf Yakub, represented by Mrs. Olubunmi Ojo, praised NAN for promoting responsible journalism and fostering national dialogue.
He said NTAC views the media as a partner in advancing Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy, strengthening international cooperation, and amplifying the country’s image through truthful storytelling and civic engagement.
“Our agency projects national values and strengthens international cooperation through the media’s capacity to tell Nigeria’s story responsibly,” Yakub said.
The Editor-in-Chief of NAN, Mr. Mufutau Ojo, commended the organisers and participants for the successful event, describing it as a “magnificent outing” that underscored the importance of media-military synergy in nation-building.
