Nigeria’s Federal Government is considering a policy that would allow journalists to accompany military personnel during selected operations as part of efforts to improve security reporting and public understanding of ongoing military activities.
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, disclosed the proposal on Thursday during the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Abuja.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, Musa said the initiative is designed to strengthen collaboration between the media and security agencies while promoting greater transparency in military operations.
According to the minister, the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception of security efforts and national stability. He noted that modern security challenges are no longer fought solely on physical battlefields, as information and narratives have become key elements of contemporary conflicts.
“More than ever before, the media are not only enablers; they are stabilisers of government,” Musa said.
He added that the Ministry of Defence is exploring arrangements that would embed journalists with military units during operations, enabling reporters to gain first-hand knowledge of operational realities and provide more accurate coverage.
Musa said the proposal forms part of wider efforts to deepen engagement with the media and ensure that information concerning military activities is communicated effectively to the public.
The minister stressed that successful security operations should not be measured only by battlefield victories but also by the level of public confidence in security institutions.
Nigeria continues to face multiple security threats, including insurgency, banditry and other forms of violent crime. Security agencies have frequently faced criticism over limited access to operational areas, a situation that critics say has contributed to misinformation, conflicting reports and public scepticism about developments on the frontlines.
