FG to let journalists join troops during military operations

The Federal Government is considering a new initiative that would allow journalists to accompany military personnel during selected operations.

This was said to be in a bid to improve security reporting and give the public greater insight into the realities of counterinsurgency and other internal security efforts.

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, disclosed the plan on Thursday at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Abuja.

Represented by his Special Adviser, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, the minister said the proposed arrangement would foster closer collaboration between the media and security agencies while promoting transparency in military activities.

Musa noted that the media plays a strategic role in shaping public perception of security operations and national stability, adding that security management now extends beyond conventional battlefields.

He explained that modern conflicts are increasingly influenced by information and narratives, making the media an important stakeholder in the country’s security architecture.

According to the minister, the success of security operations should not be assessed solely by military victories but also by the level of confidence citizens have in security institutions.

“More than ever before, the media are not only enablers; they are stabilizers of government.

“The defense ministry is exploring arrangements to embed journalists with military units during operations to enable more accurate reporting and deeper understanding of operational realities,” he said.

Musa said the initiative was part of broader efforts by the ministry to strengthen engagement with the media and ensure that information about military operations is conveyed accurately to the public.

He stressed that improved cooperation between journalists and security agencies would contribute to building public trust and enhancing national security outcomes.

The proposed arrangement comes as Nigeria continues to battle multiple security challenges, including insurgency.

Security agencies have often faced criticism over limited access to operational areas, a situation that has sometimes fuelled misinformation, conflicting reports and public skepticism about developments on the frontlines.