120,000 Boko Haram Fighters Surrender, As Nigerian Army Sues For Operational Synergy With Media

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoheed Lagbaja, has called on all well-meaning  Nigerians to maintain faith in the abilities and readiness of the military to eliminate elements and purveyors of insecurity in the country.

He has also assured of the commitment of the Nigerian Army to improve media access to its operations within the bounds of operational security.

The Army Chief who spoke on Thursday June 20, 2024, at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Army Comic quarterly media chat held in Kano sued for the fostering of an environment that encourages open dialogue and mutual respect between the Army and media.

He expressed the optimism that the welfare of the Nation will be better protected amidst an enhanced atmosphere of understanding, trust and cooperation between the media and Army.

General Lagbaja emphasised that with the Army committed to the conduct of both kinetic and non-kinetic operations geared towards fighting  insecurity in the country, there is also the mutual need for the media to engage in responsible and professional practices through balanced and objective  reporting of security matters .

“Balanced and objective reporting requires a deliberate effort to ensuring that national interest and security are not jeopardized on the basis of press freedom and urgency to be the first to break the news .

Therefore, Media Executives and Editors should be circumspect when issues of national security and survival are concerned” the COS enjoined.

According to him, being conscious of the need for accurate reporting on the activities of the Army, the General Lagbaja informed that the service has put in place a transparent communication strategy to promote synergy between it and the media.

“We understand the need for accurate reporting on our activities ,as it aids in building trust between the Nigerian Army and the civil populace.

“This underscores the significance of a consistent and transparent communication strategy  implemented by the Nigerian Army.

“Let me also emphasise the cruciality of acknowledging and embracing our respective roles and responsibilities within this partnership.

“As the Nigerian Army diligently fulfils its constitutional mandates, it is equally imperative for the media to uphold the highest standards of professionalism ,accuracy, impartiality and patriotism.

“By doing so, media practitioners can ensure that their reports contribute positively to national security objectives.

“Together, we can enhance public understanding, build trust and promote the greater welfare of our beloved nation.

“Please, note that the collaboration between the military and the media should not be limited to the reporting of conflicts, terrorism or security threats alone .

“We must extend our engagements to areas of national development ,peace building and community engagement.

“The Nigerian Army is fully aware of the intricacies and challenges that characterize our nation at present . As a result, the imperativeness to address security  challenges has led us to increase the tempo in various theatres of operation .

“I am pleased to state that the Nigerian Army in collaboration with sister Services and other security agencies has continued to record remarkable successes .

“You may be aware that  troops of the Nigerian Army operating with other security agencies have recorded significant milestones in operations across our theatres within Nigeria .

“Specifically, our gallant troops in the Northeast have neutralized hundreds of terrorists including scores of their top commanders thereby liberating several of their enclaves in the Sambisa Forest, Timbuktu triangle and the Madera mountains .

“Similar feats have also been achieved in the Northwest, North Central Southeast, Southwest and South south regions .

“The culminating effects of these operations include the rescue of abducted Nigerians ,such as the 350 persons rescued from Sambisa Forest last month ,the surrender of over 120,000 Boko Haram fighters and their families in the Northeast ,the desire of over 20,000 Nigeria refugees in the Cameroon to return to their ancestral homes in Borno and Adamawa states and the thwarting/ rescue of thousands of kidnapped incidents /victims across the country ” the COS stated.