Army urges objective reporting of military activities

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Auwalu Mahmuda and the Chairman of the Oyo State Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Yinka Adeniran and members of the Chapel on a courtesy visit to the GOC at Headquarters, 2 Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, Oyo State. Photo: Nigerian Army

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has urged journalists to report military activities objectively and verify information before publication.

In a post obtained from the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Thursday, Mahmuda made the call when the Chairman of the Oyo State Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Yinka Adeniran, led members of the chapel on a courtesy visit to the GOC at the Headquarters, 2 Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The GOC stressed the need for stronger military-media relations to promote accurate reportage of military activities and curb the spread of misinformation, disinformation and fake news.

He described the media as an important partner in informing the public about the activities of the Nigerian Army, saying accurate and credible information was essential to ensuring proper understanding of military operations.

According to him, journalists should “always verify information before publication, particularly reports concerning military operations.”

Mahmuda further said the role of journalists in disseminating information about the military remained vital, adding that the Nigerian Army valued the contributions of the media and looked forward to greater collaboration.

He assured the journalists that 2 Division remained open to working with the media and would continue to explore avenues for constructive engagement and stronger professional relations.

Earlier, Adeniran said the visit was undertaken to appreciate the Nigerian Army for its “sacrifices, commitment and gallantry in the service of the nation.”

• Oyo sugar factory reaches test-running stage after over a decade
• Army takes over Old Oyo Park after Oriire abduction
• NYSC kidnap: 20 victims freed, police hunt abductors

He commended officers and soldiers of 2 Division for their dedication to duty, noting that the Division had continued to demonstrate commitment to its responsibilities within its area of operation.

Adeniran particularly recalled the recent rescue of students in Orire Local Government Area, saying the incident remained fresh in the minds of journalists and underscored the importance of effective communication and cooperation between the military and the media.

He said the chapel sought to deepen its relationship with the Division through regular professional engagements, training opportunities and improved access to verified information on military activities.

According to him, closer collaboration would enhance journalists’ understanding of military operations and contribute to accurate and responsible reportage while reducing the spread of misinformation and fake news.

Adeniran expressed the readiness of the chapel to work with the Division as partners in promoting credible information and responsible journalism.