The Federal Government is looking at a new initiative that could allow journalists to go along with military personnel on certain operations as part of efforts to enhance security reporting and increase public understanding of the nation’s security challenges.

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd) was reported to have said this on Thursday during the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Abuja.

Musa, represented by his Special Adviser, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, said the proposal was to strengthen the collaboration between the media and security agencies as well as promote greater transparency in military operations.

“The media is a critical element in shaping public perception of security efforts and national stability, especially at a time when information and public narratives are key in modern conflicts,” the minister said.

Security management, he said, was no longer restricted to the battlefield, adding that journalists had become critical stakeholders in the nation’s security architecture.

“The media are not just enablers any more. They are stabilisers of government,” he said.

“Effective security communication is very important in building the confidence of the public and ensuring that citizens are clear about the efforts being taken to address insecurity,” Musa said.

Journalists May Embed With Military Units
The Defence Minister said the ministry was looking at ways to embed journalists in military formations during operations.

“The defence ministry is looking at arrangements to embed journalists with military units during operations to enable more accurate reporting and better understanding of operational realities,” he said.

The move is part of wider efforts to improve relations between the military and the media and to provide the public with accurate information about security operations, he said.

Musa said that success or failure of military operations should not be judged only in terms of battlefield success but also the public’s confidence in security institutions.

He said better coordination between journalists and security agencies would help in fighting misinformation, improve public understanding of security challenges and lead to better national security outcomes.

He said promoting mutual understanding of both institutions still played an important role for permanent peace and stability across the country.

The proposal comes at a time when Nigeria continues to face several security threats, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes in different parts of the country.