The General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has appealed to journalists to exercise caution and ensure proper verification when reporting military operations.
Mahmuda made the call in Ibadan during a courtesy visit by the leadership and members of the Oyo State Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
The delegation, led by the chapel’s chairman, Yinka Adeniran, visited the GOC at the headquarters of 2 Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment.
The Army commander said stronger cooperation between the military and the media was necessary to ensure the public receives reliable information about military activities and to check the spread of misinformation and fake news.
He described the media as an important link between the military and the public, stressing that accurate reporting would help people better understand military operations.
Mahmuda urged journalists to “always verify information before publication, particularly reports concerning military operations.”
He added that the Army appreciated the media’s role in informing the public and expressed his willingness to strengthen professional ties with journalists.
The GOC assured the delegation that the division would continue to engage the media and create opportunities for constructive interaction.
In his remarks, Adeniran said the visit was partly to recognise the Army’s “sacrifices, commitment and gallantry in the service of the nation.”
He commended personnel of the division for their dedication to duty, particularly in responding to security challenges within their area of responsibility.
Adeniran also highlighted the recent rescue of abducted students in Oriire Local Government Area, saying the development demonstrated the importance of effective communication between security agencies and the media.
He said the chapel wanted closer professional interaction with the Army, including training opportunities and improved access to verified information.
According to him, better cooperation would enable journalists to understand military operations more effectively and produce accurate reports while limiting the spread of false information.
The NUJ chairman reaffirmed the chapel’s readiness to collaborate with the division in promoting credible information and responsible journalism.