The Defence Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has issued a plea to the Nigerian Military, urging them to uphold media independence as outlined in the nation’s constitution.
Stressing the need for prompt responses to journalists’ inquiries, the group aims to combat the spread of misinformation effectively.
During a one-day seminar dedicated to exploring non-kinetic strategies in the fight against insurgency and terrorism, DECAN emphasized the critical role of timely and well-coordinated responses in countering misinformation’s impact on public perception and overall security efforts.
Highlighting the evolving landscape of warfare, with a shift away from traditional kinetic methods, DECAN underscored the importance of adopting non-kinetic approaches to effectively tackle security challenges.
In a joint statement signed by DECAN’s President, Mr. Ismail Musa, and the Chairman of the Seminar Organizing Committee, Mr. Sifon Essien, the association emphasized the need to enhance communication between the military and the media.
They advocated for integrating journalists into operations without compromising military effectiveness, citing the potential for enhanced trust and mutual understanding through media involvement in operational planning and execution.
Furthermore, DECAN recommended increased engagement between the military and community leaders to garner support and cooperation in addressing security threats.
Given the prevalence of social media, the association urged collaboration between the military and traditional media to provide clarity and context amidst the abundance of unverified information circulating on digital platforms.
DECAN also urged the military to escalate operations to outpace non-state actors and ensure citizen safety by eliminating unprovoked attacks, senseless killings, and property destruction.
The association’s recommendations underscore the importance of preserving media independence and fostering collaboration between the military and the media to effectively address Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges.
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