Improving Nigerian media-military synergy

By Rekpene Bassey

The relationship between the Nigerian security agencies and the media has long been fraught with tensions, oscillating between mutual dependence and outright hostility. At the heart of this dynamic is an unresolved paradox: the military, sworn to protect the nation, and the media, tasked with safeguarding truth and accountability, often find themselves at loggerheads.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, recently called for enhanced synergy between the media and the military, underscoring the urgency of fostering a collaborative rather than adversarial relationship.

However, this appeal is haunted by a grim history of journalist brutalization, suppression, and the overarching question of press freedom in a democracy struggling to find its equilibrium.

The media, often regarded as the fourth estate, plays a crucial role in shaping public perception, disseminating critical information, and holding power to account. On the other hand, the military operates within the national security framework, sometimes perceiving media scrutiny as an encroachment on classified operations.

This dichotomy has resulted in conflicts where journalists seeking transparency become targets of state repression. From unlawful arrests to physical assault and intimidation, the brutality meted out to journalists reflects a troubling contradiction in Nigeria’s democratic aspirations.

Historically, Nigerian journalists have borne the brunt of military excesses. From the military juntas of the past to the current democratic dispensation, instances of harassment, censorship, and even extrajudicial actions against the press remain rampant.

The tension reached a fever pitch during periods of political unrest, insurgency, and electoral crises, where the state, under the pretext of national security, sought to stifle dissenting voices.

Contemporary developments continue to highlight the precarious position of journalists in Nigeria. Reports by global press freedom organizations have repeatedly ranked Nigeria among Africa’s most dangerous places for journalists.

Security operatives, in many cases, view media practitioners as adversaries rather than partners in nation-building. The brutalisation of reporters covering protests, the unlawful detention of investigative journalists, and the confiscation of materials exposing corruption or security failures are but symptoms of a deeper malaise.

One of the enduring questions in this discourse is whether security should take precedence over truth or whether truth, in its unvarnished form, should guide the pursuit of security. Plato’s idea of the “noble lie,” wherein leaders can manipulate information for the greater good, finds unfortunate resonance in the justifications often given for repressing media freedoms in Nigeria. Yet, history teaches us that societies that stifle the press under the guise of security ultimately breed discontent, misinformation, and more profound vulnerabilities.

A truly democratic society does not see the media and the military as opposing forces but as institutions with distinct yet complementary roles. While the media seeks truth and transparency, the military ensures order and stability.

Where these roles intersect, mechanisms of mutual respect and structured communication must be strengthened to prevent clashes. General Musa’s advocacy for improved synergy is a step in the right direction, but it must go beyond rhetoric to practical and institutional reforms.

The military must recognize that press freedom is not an adversary to national security but an ally. Exposure to security lapses, for instance, should not be met with aggression but should be seen as an opportunity for institutional self-correction.

Likewise, the media must acknowledge the sensitive nature of military operations and exercise responsible reporting without compromising national security. Achieving this delicate balance requires structured engagement, training, and a firm commitment to press protection.

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Guild of Editors, the political class, and other stakeholders must continue to push for policies that safeguard journalists against unwarranted state aggression. Legal frameworks that punish security operatives who brutalize journalists should be rigorously enforced.

In addition, media organisations must prioritize safety training for their personnel, equipping them with strategies to manage the hostile environment they often encounter.

Beyond policy interventions, a shift in mindset is imperative. The culture of impunity within the security forces must be replaced with a culture of accountability. A security operative who understands the sanctity of the press is less likely to resort to violence against journalists.

Similarly, journalists who understand the complexities of military strategy are less likely to compromise sensitive security operations in their reporting.

The ongoing insurgencies, secessionist movements, and socio-political instability in Nigeria make it even more imperative for the military and the media to find common ground. Effective counterterrorism and national security measures require public trust, which is, in turn, reinforced by accurate and ethical reporting.

Suppose the media is alienated through brutalisation and suppression. In that case, the vacuum it leaves is often filled by misinformation and propaganda, an outcome far more dangerous than any perceived security breach by journalists.

A case study of countries with strong military-media relationships reveals that transparency and structured dialogue are indispensable.

In democratic nations where the military and media have found synergy, institutional mechanisms such as embedded journalism programmes, regular press briefings, and security literacy initiatives for journalists have significantly reduced conflicts. Nigeria must borrow from these models.

General Musa’s call for improved synergy must not end at symposiums and dialogues but should translate into actionable frameworks that redefine the engagement between security forces and the press. This includes regular joint training programmes, establishing an independent media-security oversight body, and committing to ending impunity for crimes against journalists.

Ultimately, the soul of any nation lies in its ability to hold power accountable while ensuring security. Within this delicate balance, Nigeria must forge a future where the military and media operate not as adversaries but as partners in the collective pursuit of national stability and democratic integrity. Anything short of this threatens to undermine the very foundations of the nation’s progress.

As the sun rises on another chapter of Nigeria’s democratic journey, the question remains: Will the military-media relationship continue as an uneasy truce marked by periodic clashes, or will it evolve into a mature, symbiotic partnership driven by mutual respect? The answer lies in the willingness of both institutions to transcend their historical conflicts and embrace a future where truth and security walk hand in hand.

*Rekpene Bassey is the President of the African Council on Narcotics (ACON) and also a Security and Drug Prevention expert.