The Defence Headquarters’ Directorate of Defence Media Operations has convened the Third Quarter 2025 Media Stakeholders Seminar in Maiduguri, Borno State, urging stronger collaboration between the media and the military to advance peace, stability, and national security.
The seminar, held at the Nigerian Army Officers’ Mess and Suites, brought together senior military officers, journalists, government officials, and other stakeholders under the theme “Consolidating Media–Military Synergy for Sustainable Peace in Nigeria.”
Declaring the event open, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kange, welcomed participants and emphasised that the gathering was not just an engagement but a timely convergence of two critical institutions, the media and the military, whose roles are pivotal in shaping peace, security, and stability in the country.
He noted that Nigeria is currently confronted by multiple security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, communal clashes, sabotage, cybercrimes, and disinformation, stressing that overcoming them requires a united front where both the media and the military complement each other’s efforts.
“The military component is just a fraction of the overall effort of sustaining peace. It is a collective mission that involves every stakeholder in society, especially the media, which plays a central role in shaping narratives and influencing public perception,” General Kange said.
The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, in his remarks, highlighted that peace cannot be achieved by security forces or the media acting in isolation. He described both institutions as strategic partners whose collaboration is critical in countering misinformation, building public trust, and promoting national unity.
He urged for structured communication, conflict-sensitive reporting, joint workshops, and the highest ethical standards in information dissemination, particularly in the digital age where fake news spreads rapidly.
Representing Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their sacrifices in restoring peace and stability in the Northeast. He also applauded the media for their courage and professionalism in reporting conflict situations, often at personal risk.
According to him, Borno State is in a recovery and reconstruction phase, with communities returning, infrastructure being rebuilt, and economic activities reviving. He stressed that effective communication and trust-building remain crucial in consolidating these gains.
The seminar provided a platform for robust discussions on how the military and the media can deepen cooperation, counter disinformation, and sustain peace efforts across the country.