NIGERIA: FG To Carry Journalists With Troops During Military Operations

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Federal Government is planning to allow journalists to accompany military personnel during selected operations as part of efforts to improve security reporting and give Nigerians better insight into counterinsurgency and internal security efforts.

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

He was represented by his Special Adviser, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole.

Gen. Musa stated that the media plays a strategic role in shaping public perception of security operations and national stability. He noted that modern conflicts are now heavily influenced by information and narratives, making the media an important stakeholder in the country’s security architecture.

“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.

The minister explained that the success of security operations should not be judged solely by military victories but also by the level of confidence citizens have in security institutions.

He described the media as both enablers and stabilizers of government, adding that improved cooperation between journalists and security agencies would help build public trust and enhance national security outcomes.

The proposed embedding arrangement is part of broader efforts by the Defence Ministry to strengthen engagement with the media and ensure accurate dissemination of information about military activities to the public.

The development comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges, including Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, and separatist agitations in the Southeast.

Security agencies have long faced criticism over restricted access to operational zones, a situation that has often led to misinformation, conflicting reports, and public skepticism about developments on the frontlines.

If fully implemented, the initiative could mark a significant shift towards greater transparency in the coverage of military operations in the country.