By Nkechi Eze
For years, Maiduguri has been the heartbeat of Nigeria’s war against Boko Haram, a city once defined by explosions and displacement, but now gradually transforming into a hub for dialogue, resilience, and rebuilding. On Wednesday, within the walls of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Mess and Suite, Maimalari Cantonment, the conversation shifted from the battlefield to the newsroom as Nigeria’s military top brass, state leaders, academics, and journalists gathered for the 3rd Quarter Media Stakeholders Seminar. The theme, “Consolidating Media-Military Synergy for Sustainable Peace in Nigeria”, captured the mood of the day: peace cannot be won by force alone, it must be nurtured by trust, narratives, and partnership.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, set the tone by declaring that synergy between the military and the media must be viewed not as optional, but as a strategic partnership essential to defeating Boko Haram, promoting national unity, preserving peace, and defending democratic values.
Speaking through the Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO) and Chief Host of the seminar, Major General Markus Kangye, General Musa reiterated that the Armed Forces remain steadfast in their constitutional mandate to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria. He paid tribute to the gallant men and women across all theatres of operation who, often under difficult and dangerous conditions, continue to sacrifice for the nation’s security.
But he was also clear that the fight cannot be carried out by bullets alone. “Military operations are not conducted in a vacuum,” Musa stressed. “Hence the need to engage with the media by using information management, public perception, and strategic communication that are vital as the combat component. Going forward, peace and security cannot be sustained by force alone. They must be nurtured through positive narratives, civic engagement, and inclusive communication. This is where the media have a unique and powerful role to play.”
General Musa also assured the troops of his continued support, pledging prompt provision of their welfare. He commended the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and his troops for their unwavering sacrifices and the feats already achieved in neutralizing remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the North-East.
Delivering the keynote address, Major General Abubakar reinforced the Defence Chief’s message, insisting that the military and the media must work hand in hand to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity, confront insurgencies, and protect the lives and property of citizens.
He noted that over the years, Nigeria has been confronted with multidimensional security challenges, from insurgency in the North-East to banditry, militancy, and communal clashes. According to him, these crises are not only fought on the battlefield but also in the domain of public perception, where the media plays a critical role.
To address these challenges, the Theatre Commander emphasized the need for structured and timely communication between the military and the media. He urged spokespersons on both sides to operate within clear protocols to ensure information is accurate, verified, and responsibly disseminated.
At times, he observed, misinformation, sensationalism, and lack of access to verified information have hampered military operations and endangered national security. “These challenges must be confronted not by pointing fingers but by building bridges,” he said. “Journalists must be trained periodically in conflict-sensitive reporting and strategic communication, while military personnel should be sensitized on media relations and the value of press freedom. Therefore, in consolidating media-military synergy, we are not only strengthening our national security framework, we are also cultivating the very soil from which peace can grow and thrive. May this gathering mark a new chapter where the pen and the sword, the lens and the uniform, work hand in hand for the Nigeria we all believe in.”
The civil authority also weighed in. The Special Guest of Honour and Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, represented by the Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, commended the Armed Forces under General Musa’s leadership and the DMO for engaging with the media as part of the campaign to defeat insurgents. He assured that his administration will continue to uphold respect for press freedom but urged journalists to resist the lure of fake news, which, he said, undermines counter-terrorism efforts, democratic governance, and national development.
The seminar concluded with scholarly presentations that deepened the conversation. Professor Usman Tar presented a paper on “Strategic Communication as a Tool for Strengthening Civil-Military Relations in Conflict Zones”, highlighting the role of narratives in shaping conflict outcomes. Professor Abubakar Mua’zu of the University of Maiduguri’s Mass Communication Department spoke on “Ethical Journalism and Responsible Reporting in Security Matters: Building Trust for National Unity”, stressing that credibility, accuracy, and responsibility in reporting remain the press’s greatest contributions to national stability.
