It Cannot Be The People’s Army If People Don’t Know About The Army – CCMA
The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), Major General Musa A Etsu-Ndagi, has emphasized the Nigerian Army’s commitment to openness and public engagement, declaring that “It cannot be the People’s Army if people don’t know about the Army.” while addressing media professionals and communication experts at the 2025 Fourth Quarter Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Media Chat held in Jos.
The quarterly engagement brought together journalists, security stakeholders and communication experts to strengthen collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the media, with a focus on strategic communication in the current security environment.
In his welcome remarks, Maj Gen Etsu-Ndagi noted that the media possesses significant power to shape public perception, warning that the same influence often exploited by dissidents to distort facts can also be harnessed responsibly to support national security efforts. He highlighted the theme of the event: “The Nigerian Security Environment: Role of Strategic Communication in Strengthening Civil-Military Relations” as a deliberate choice aimed at harmonizing the contributions of the Army and the media in promoting national stability.
The CCMA reiterated the Army’s commitment to credible and comprehensive information-sharing, urging media practitioners to uphold ethical standards and avoid sensationalism, disinformation and misinformation.
Delivering the first goodwill message, the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Emmanuel Adeshola, commended the Nigerian Army for sustaining engagements that enhance inter-agency synergy. He urged media professionals to avoid narratives that could escalate tensions, particularly in volatile communities and instead promote peace and stability.
The second goodwill message was delivered by the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr Polycap Auta, who applauded the Nigerian Army for consistently opening its doors to journalists. He emphasized the need for transparency, balanced reporting and continued partnership to ensure the public receives accurate and timely information.
In his keynote address, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu represented by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Major General Folusho Oyinilola, highlighted the profound impact of emerging technologies on the media landscape, warning that digital platforms have become major channels for the spread of fake news, misinformation and malicious narratives capable of undermining national security.
He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the Army and the media, describing the partnership between “the pen and the sword” as essential in safeguarding the nation and urged journalists to uphold fairness, objectivity and responsibility in their reporting, especially concerning military operations.
The Special Guest of Honour, Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mallam Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, was represented by the Zonal Director of NTA Network Centre Jos, Mrs Rifkatu Daniel, commended the Nigerian Army for prioritizing communication engagements and reaffirmed NTA’s readiness and continuous commitment to support responsible national security reporting.
A major highlight of the event was a presentation on Civil-Military Cooperation activities, which showcased ongoing humanitarian interventions, community support initiatives and strategic outreach programmes across various operational theatres.
The former Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd) mni fnipr, delivered the lead paper tilled “Emerging Technology and Its Impact on the Media: Military-Media Collaboration in Focus.” In it he called for strengthened partnerships between the security sector and the media to responsibly manage digital information flows and curb the spread of misinformation.
Another key session was the second lecture by Professor Eze Cosmos of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, titled “Strategic Communication as a Tool for Countering Violent Extremism and Insurgency.” He highlighted the role of communication strategies in influencing public perception, deterring radicalisation and supporting counterterrorism efforts.
Media professionals from over 100 media organizations including television stations, radio organisations, newspapers, online platforms and blogs, participated in the interactive media chat with the Chief of Civil -Affairs deliberated on critical issues on military operations, public affairs strategy and civil-military cooperations Certificates were presented to participants
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