The Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab (Rtd), has emphasized the need for a closer and more structured relationship between the military and the media to strengthen national security efforts.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion with the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) in Abuja, Wahab pointed out that effective communication between both sectors is crucial.
He highlighted the importance of engaging three key groups: media owners, editors, and defense correspondents, to bridge the existing gaps and build trust.
Strengthening Military-Media Relations
Themed “National Interest versus National Security: A Quest for Responsible Journalism,” the event focused on addressing misunderstandings and improving collaboration.
Wahab stressed that both the media and the military have a role to play in ensuring balanced reporting that supports national interest while maintaining transparency.
“Both parties must work together. That’s why we’re involving the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and other service branches to address the concerns raised by defense correspondents,” Wahab stated.
He urged journalists to consider national security implications in their reports while also calling on the military to be more open in its communication with the press.
A Three-Layered Approach to Engagement
Wahab outlined a structured approach to improving military-media relations, emphasizing three critical levels of engagement:
- Defence correspondents – who report directly on military activities
- Guild of Editors – responsible for shaping editorial direction
- Media owners – who influence broader media policies. “We need continuous engagement at every level. Defence correspondents must stay informed, editors should ensure responsible storytelling, and media owners need to align their platforms with national security interests,” he added.
He cautioned that without clear communication across these layers, efforts to foster cooperation would be ineffective.
A Call for Consistent Dialogue
Wahab encouraged ongoing discussions between military officials and media stakeholders to create a balanced approach to security reporting.
He emphasized that national security and press freedom should work hand in hand, rather than being at odds.
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