Army reaffirms loyalty to Tinubu, constitution, tasks media on responsibility, accuracy, fairness in reporting

From Desmond Mgboh, Kano

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Toareed Lagbaja, has reaffirmed the unalloyed loyalty of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army to President Bola Tinubu and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Speaking in Kano, yesterday, on the occasion of the Nigerian Army Clinic Quarterly Media Chat, he also appreciated the president for his continuous strategic guidance and unwavering support for the Nigerian Army.

Represented by the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Mayirenso Suraso, he appreciated the sacrifices made by his officers and men in the various operational theatres across the country.

On their milestones, he revealed that they have neutralised hundreds of terrorists and their commanders in the North East, thereby liberating many of their enclaves inside Sambisa forest, Tumbunku triangle and Mandara Mountains while adding that similar feats have also been recorded in other regions in Nigeria

Addressing the newsmen on the theme: “Synergizing Civil-Military Co-operation for National Security: Focus on Nigerian Army – Media Relations,” Lagbaja implored media practitioners to exercise responsibility, accuracy and fairness in reporting the activities of the Nigeria Army.

He urged them to avoid disseminating fake news or inflammatory comments that could undermine national unity and security.

‘While we acknowledge the freedom of the press, it is crucial to strike a balance between national security interests and the public right to information,” he said.

The army chief recommitted the army to improving media access to their operations within the bounds of operational security while emphasising that such access will assist the media to achieve accurate reportage of their activities and help build and promote trust between the army and the civil society.

In his remarks, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf appreciated the role of the Nigeria Army in ensuring peace and security in the state, taking particular note of their contribution to security during the days of Boko Haram terrorists in the state.

Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Baba Dantiye, the governor pledged to continue to support security agencies in the state, including the Nigerian Army to discharge their constitutional mandate.