The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has emphasized that the media plays key role in the success or otherwise of military operations and therefore remains an indispensable partner of the Nigerian Army.
General Yahaya stated this on Thursday, when he hosted the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Sun Publishing Limited, Mr Onuoha Ukeh and his management team at the Army Headquarters.
The COAS maintained that support and sacrifices of the media in the fight against insurgency and banditry are well noted and highly appreciated. He pointed out that expectations of the NA are that the media will continue to support the efforts of the military, as part of their patriotic duty, by giving publicity to troops’ operations, which he said, will undoubtedly shore up troops’ morale and fighting will.
General Yahaya disclosed that insurgents and bandits thrive on the publicity they get from a section of the media, noting that if their activities are denied media publicity, fifty percent of the military’s job would have been done.
The COAS thanked the Editor-in-Chief and his management team for the courtesy visit and appreciated the media for their commitment and support.
In his remarks, the CEO of Sun Publishing Limited Mr Onuoha Ukeh, lauded the NA for its efforts and sacrifices towards stamping out terrorism, banditry and sundry violent crimes in the country.
He noted that the command style of the COAS and synergy with sister services and other security agencies have changed the dynamics of military operations, especially in the north east, where elements of Boko Haram fighters are surrendering to the troops in droves.
He promised continued support and collaboration of Sun Newspapers with the NA.
