FG Weighs Plan to Embed Journalists with Troops During Military Operations
The Federal Government is considering a policy that would allow journalists to accompany military personnel on selected operations as part of efforts to improve transparency, strengthen security reporting, and enhance public confidence in the nation’s armed forces.
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), disclosed this at the National Security Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja on Thursday.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, the minister said the proposed initiative would deepen collaboration between the media and security agencies while giving journalists firsthand knowledge of military operations.
Musa said the media plays a critical role in shaping public perception of security efforts, stressing that modern conflicts are fought not only on the battlefield but also in the information space.
According to him, effective security management now requires accurate and responsible reporting capable of strengthening public trust in security institutions.
“More than ever before, the media are not only enablers; they are stabilisers of government,” he said.
He added that the Ministry of Defence is exploring arrangements to embed journalists with military units during operations to enable more accurate reporting and provide deeper insight into operational realities.
The minister explained that the proposal forms part of broader efforts to improve engagement between the military and the media, ensuring that information on security operations is communicated accurately and responsibly.
He maintained that stronger cooperation between journalists and security agencies would help build public confidence and contribute to improved national security outcomes.
