The Nigeria Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has said while the pen is being considered as mightier than the sword, the current security challenge in the nation demands stronger cooperation and partnership between the pen and the sword to deal with the situation.
The COAS stated this at the Army Headquarters Department of Civil -Military Affairs Media Chat for the fourth quarter, 2025, which was held at Patrick Hall, Crispan Suites and Event center in Jos, Plateau State.
The Chief of Army Staff who was represented by the Maj. Gen. EF Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army, stressed the importance of strategic communication in strengthening civil-military relations.
He noted that as the Nigerian Army enhances its pursuit of national security objectives, the media’s pivotal role in shaping public opinion, informing the public and fostering unity of purpose cannot be overstated.
The Chief of Army Staff said this has necessitated collaboration between the Nigeria Army and the Media stakeholders to foster a formidable front against the shared security challenges.
“I therefore, urge media practitioners to uphold the tenets of objective, credible, fair, and responsible reporting on the Nigerian Army activities. While striking a balance between national security interests and the people’s right to information.
In his welcome address, Maj. Gen. Musa Estu Ndagu, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), highlighted the event’s aim to strengthen collaboration between the Army and media stakeholders in addressing security challenges.
He urged media practitioners to report responsibly and ethically, while assuring that the Army remains committed to providing accurate and timely information. Maj. Gen. Ndagu also thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Wahid Shaibu, for supporting the initiative
“In addition to ongoing operations, we have adopted non-kinetic approaches including today’s media chat as part of efforts to foster nation building. It is important to note that there is a need for collective responsibility in shaping the narratives of the nation’s security landscape.
“Together, we can forge a path towards a safer and more informed society, that appreciates those policies and initiatives that promote national, cultural, and socio-economic development.” He noted.
The Special Guest of Honour, Mallam Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, Director-General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), represented by Mrs. Rifkatu Daniel, Zonal Director, highlighted the importance of strategic communication in fostering trust and cooperation between the media and the military.
She assured that NTA stations across Nigeria remain committed to supporting the Army and will honor invitations to collaborate in promoting accurate and responsible reporting.
There were lectures on “Emerging Technology and it’s Impact on the Media: Military Media Collaboration in focus by Brig. Gen. Sani Usman (Rtd.)
Prof. Eze Cosmos from the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, equally presented a paper on
Strategic Communication as a Tool for Countering Violent Extremism and Insurgency.
Earlier in his goodwill message, CP Emmanuel Adesina, Commissioner of Police, Plateau State, praised the Nigerian Army for organizing the event, stressing the importance of dialogue and non-kinetic approaches alongside traditional security measures to enhance peace and stability.
The media chat concluded with an interactive session between the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj. Gen. Musa Estu Ndagu, and journalists, providing a platform for open dialogue, questions, and discussions to strengthen understanding and cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the media.
