The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has called on journalists to report military activities objectively and ensure that information is verified before publication.
Mahmuda made the appeal during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the Oyo State Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Yinka Adeniran, and members of the chapel to the GOC at the Headquarters, 2 Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The development was disclosed in a post obtained from the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Thursday.
The GOC emphasised the importance of strengthening relations between the military and the media to encourage accurate reporting of military activities and prevent the spread of misinformation, disinformation and fake news.
He described the media as a key partner in keeping the public informed about the activities of the Nigerian Army, stressing that credible and accurate information was necessary for a proper understanding of military operations.
According to him, journalists should “always verify information before publication, particularly reports concerning military operations.”
Mahmuda also noted that journalists played an important role in communicating information about the military to the public, adding that the Nigerian Army appreciated the media’s contributions and was interested in further cooperation.
He assured the visiting journalists that 2 Division would remain accessible to the media and continue to pursue opportunities for constructive engagement and improved professional relationships.
Earlier, Adeniran said the visit was aimed at acknowledging the Nigerian Army for its “sacrifices, commitment and gallantry in the service of the nation.”
He praised the officers and soldiers of 2 Division for their commitment to duty, saying the Division had consistently demonstrated dedication to its responsibilities within its operational area.
Adeniran also referred to the recent rescue of students in Orire Local Government Area, describing the incident as one still fresh in the minds of journalists and one that highlighted the need for effective communication and cooperation between the military and the media.
He said the chapel intended to strengthen its relationship with the Division through regular professional interactions, training opportunities and better access to verified information about military activities.
According to him, improved cooperation would help journalists gain a better understanding of military operations and promote accurate and responsible reporting while limiting the spread of misinformation and fake news.
Adeniran said the chapel was prepared to collaborate with the Division as partners in advancing credible information and responsible journalism.
