Counter Insurgency: NGO trains journalists, military on national interest
The Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP) has trained journalists and military personnel in the state on the need for synergy in protecting national interest in the fight against insurgency.
The one-day workshop, titled “Military, Media and National Interest”, was organised in collaboration with the Theatre Command, North East Operation Hadin Kai.
Declaring the training opened in Maiduguri on Thursday, the Theatre Commander Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, said the training became necessary in view of the role being played by media in shaping public opinion and providing citizens with accurate and timely information.
“The military, on the other hand, is entrusted with contributing to safeguarding the nation’s security and protecting its interests.
“Thus, it is important that we understand and appreciate the relationship that exists between the media and the mlitary.
“Today’s workshop aims to bridge any gap between the military, and more specifically Operation Hadin Kai and the media, by providing a platform for the exchange of ideas, experiences and insights, to ensure information is disseminated in a responsible manner that upholds national interest,” Chibuisi said.
He noted that the military operations in the North East has contributed to improving security in the region characterised by the mass surrendering of insurgents despite resistance by few remnants of the insurgents.
Chibuisi, who reiterated the commitment of the military to continue to kinetic and non-kenetic approaches to end the insurgency, lauded the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs for their strategic guidance in prosecuting the fight.
He also lauded support from the Government and people of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States to the successes being recorded.
Earlier, the Lead Consultant of the workshop, Prof. Nuhu Gapsiso, said it was very important for the military and the media to forge stronger bonds, enhance mutual understanding and establish an effective communication framework.
“By doing so, we can bridge the gap between perception and reality, eradicate any misconceptions, and work together in the pursuit of our collective national interes.
“We are confident that the insights gained from this workshop will lay the foundation for a strong and symbiotic relationship between the military and the media, fostering improved communication and understanding,” Gapsiso said.
The Chairman of Borno Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Malam Dauda Iliya, who described the training as timely, lauded the organisers for the initiative.
He urged members to always be guided by objectivity and social responsibility in their reports of conflicts.
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The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that papers presented at the workshop include “Psychological and Information warfare in the context of Military Combat Coverage”, “The Role of the Mass Media in Promoting National Interest and Security”.
Others are: “Challenges faced by Journalists covering Military combat in conflict Zones”, “Ethical Consideration in Reporting Military Operations and the impact of the coverage on public’ perception of Military Combats”, and “The Influence of Social Media and New Media Technologies on shaping Opinion during Military Operations”.
