Theartre Commander seeks stronger media-military synergy for peace
By: Zagazola Makama
Maj. General Abdulsalam Abubakar, The Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, has called for stronger collaboration between the media and the military to consolidate peace and national security.
The commander made the call in Maiduguri on Wednesday while delivering a keynote address at a seminar on “Consolidating Media-Military Synergy for Sustainable Peace.”
He said peace and stability in Nigeria could not be achieved by the security forces or the media acting in isolation, stressing that sustainable peace requires a strategic partnership between both institutions.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria defends our territorial integrity, confronts insurgencies, and protects lives and property. The media, on the other hand, shapes perceptions, informs the public, and holds institutions accountable. These roles, though distinct, are inextricably linked,” he said.
The commander warned that when the media and military operate in mutual distrust, misinformation thrives, public confidence erodes, and national cohesion suffers. However, he said, when collaboration is built on mutual respect and national interest, both institutions form a powerful alliance that defends and unites the nation.
He noted that Nigeria’s security challenges insurgency, banditry, militancy, and communal clashes are fought not only on the battlefield but also in the domain of public perception.
According to him, misinformation and sensationalism have at times hampered military operations, while lack of communication and hostility toward journalists have bred mistrust.
The commander stressed the need for structured and timely communication between the military and media, training of journalists on conflict-sensitive reporting, and sensitisation of military personnel on press freedom.
He advocated for joint workshops, simulations, and briefings to strengthen understanding and cooperation.
“In today’s digital age, disinformation spreads faster than ever. Both institutions must collaborate to counter fake news and use digital platforms to promote peace narratives, civic education, and national unity,” he said.
The commander emphasised that peacebuilding is a shared national responsibility, urging stakeholders to move “from suspicion to solidarity, from conflict to collaboration, and from fragmented messaging to a unified narrative of peace and development.”
He concluded by calling on the media and military to work hand in hand in pursuit of peace, resilience, and national growth.
“Let us choose dialogue over division, facts over fear, and unity over discord,” he said.
