Insecurity: Nigerian Govt to embed journalists in military operations — Defense Minister

The Nigerian government has announced plans to embed journalists with military units during selected operations as part of efforts to enhance accurate security reporting and deepen public understanding of ongoing counterinsurgency and internal security operations.

Minister of Defense, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), disclosed this on Thursday at the National Security Summit organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Abuja.

The minister, represented by his special adviser, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole (rtd.), said the initiative is aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies while improving transparency and public confidence in military operations.

Musa described the media as a critical partner in national security management, stressing that modern warfare now extends beyond land, air, and maritime domains to include the information space.

According to him, effective security outcomes should not only be measured by battlefield success but also by public trust and confidence in security institutions.

“More than ever before, the media are not only enablers; they are stabilizers of government.

“The defense ministry is exploring arrangements to embed journalists with military units during operations to enable more accurate reporting and deeper understanding of operational realities,” he said.