FG plans to embed journalists with troops during military operations

The Federal Government is considering a new initiative that would allow journalists to accompany military personnel during selected operations to improve security reporting and enhance public understanding of military activities.

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

Represented by his Special Adviser, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, the minister said the proposed arrangement is aimed at fostering closer collaboration between the media and security agencies while promoting transparency in military operations.

Musa noted that the media plays a critical role in shaping public perception of security efforts and national stability, stressing that security management now extends beyond the battlefield.

According to him, modern conflicts are increasingly driven by information and narratives, making the media an important stakeholder in the country’s security architecture.

He added that the success of security operations should not be measured solely by military achievements but also by the level of public confidence in security institutions.

“More than ever before, the media are not only enablers; they are stabilisers of government. The Defence 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 initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen engagement with the media and ensure accurate dissemination of information on military activities.

He expressed optimism that improved collaboration between journalists and security agencies would help build public trust and contribute to better national security outcomes.

The proposed arrangement comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges, including insurgency and banditry, amid concerns over limited media access to operational areas, which has often fuelled misinformation and conflicting reports.