Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), stated on Thursday in Kano during the second quarter edition of the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat 2024 that significant achievements have been made by the Nigerian Army in collaboration with sister-services and other security agencies across various regions of the country.
He highlighted that over 350 individuals have been rescued from the Sambisa forest, and approximately 120,000 Boko Haram fighters and their families in the North-East have surrendered to the Nigerian Army.
Representing the COAS, Major General Mayirensa Lander David Saraso, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, underscored the neutralization of numerous terrorists and their top commanders by troops in the North East, leading to the liberation of several strongholds in the Sambisa forest, Tumbuktu triangle, and the Mandara mountains.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja emphasized the establishment of transparent communication channels to ensure accurate reporting of military operations, timely dissemination of information, and the countering of misinformation to foster public confidence.
He said; “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 family members in the North East, the desire of over 20,000 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon to return to their ancestral homes in Borno and Adamawa states, and the thwarting/rescue of thousands of kidnapping incidents/victims across the country.
“You may be aware troops of the Nigerian Army operating with other security agencies have made significant milestones in operations across all theatres within Nigeria. Specifically, our gallant troops in the North East have neutralized hundreds of terrorists including scores of their top commanders thereby liberating several of their enclaves in the Sambisa forest, Tumbuktu triangle and the Mandara mountains.
“Our operations have also significantly restored socio-economic activities to most hitherto deserted communities while frustrating the illegal activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and other criminal elements in various parts of the country.
“As the Nigerian Army continue to conduct kinetic and non- kinetic operations geared towards complete elimination of elements and purveyors of insecurity in our beloved country, I urge all well-meaning Nigerians to keep faith with their army and continue to support our activities,” he said.
The COAS further said that the event with the theme: “Synergizing Civil-Military Cooperation for National Security: Focus On Nigerian Army-Media Relations,” was designed to build a stronger relationship between the Nigerian Army and the media, recognizing the critical role the media plays in shaping public opinion, informing the people, and fostering transparency in governance.
He said: “To achieve effective collaboration, it is imperative for us to foster an environment that encourages open dialogue and mutual respect. We must establish regular channels of communication, enabling transparent and accurate reporting of military operations and activities, timely dissemination of information for engendering public confidence and countering misinformation.
“In view of this, I urge you to exercise responsibility, accuracy, and fairness in reporting on Nigerian Army’s matters. While we acknowledge the importance of freedom of the press, it is crucial to strike a balance between national security interests and the public’s right to information. We must avoid disseminating fake news or inflammatory contents that could undermine national unity and security.
“I want to reiterate Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving media access to our operations within the bounds of operational security. We understand the need for accurate reporting on our activities, as it aids in building trust between the Nigerian Army and the civil population.
“This underscores the significance of a consistent and transparent communication strategy implemented by the Nigerian Army. Let me also emphasise how it is to acknowledge and embrace 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 and impartiality.”