The Director-General of the Army Resource Centre, Major General Garba Wahab (rtd), has emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between the military and the media to address gaps in communication and ensure national security.
Speaking at a media roundtable with defense correspondents, he stressed the importance of mutual trust and effective information management.
He acknowledged that gaps exist in the current engagement between the military and the media, noting that both sides must take deliberate steps to bridge these divides. 
“Both parties need to find a way of moving ahead. The centre serves as a bridge, identifying gaps observed by media practitioners, particularly defense correspondents, and ensuring that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and other security agencies are informed,” he said.
General Wahab reiterated that while the media plays a crucial role in information dissemination, reportage should always consider national security implications. He urged journalists to be mindful of their reporting, ensuring that sensitive security matters are handled responsibly.
On the way forward, he stated that an internal review would be conducted to evaluate past approaches and determine areas for improvement.
“We will assess what has worked, what hasn’t, and what needs to be improved. There are three key layers we need to address: defense correspondents, editors, and media owners,” he explained. 
According to him, ensuring effective communication across these levels is critical to preventing misunderstandings and fostering cooperation.
“If media owners engage with the Minister of Defence or the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) but the message does not reach the editors, the effort is wasted. Similarly, if editors push for certain reports without understanding security concerns, the entire process could be counterproductive,” he noted.
General Wahab stressed the importance of continuous engagement between the military and the media to maintain a secure and stable Nigeria. “We must work as a team to ensure Nigeria’s security. Communication must be consistent, and we must always prioritize the country’s safety in our dealings,” he concluded.
The session underscored the Army Resource Centre’s commitment to fostering better civil-military relations and ensuring that media reportage supports national security objectives while maintaining journalistic integrity.
Earlier, the President of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria DECAN, Ismail Musa, represented by the Vice President, Sifon Essien, commended the centre for its contributions to nation-building and reiterated the commitment of defense correspondents to objective and seamless reportage of military operations.
He further emphasized the need for improved access to accurate and timely information, stating that fostering a transparent and structured communication channel between the military and journalists would enhance public trust and ensure balanced reporting of security matters.
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