Respect confidentiality, dignity of military operations, GOC advises Journalists 

By Ezekiel Dontinna 

The General Officer Commanding 3 Armour Division and Commander, Operation Save Haven (OPSH), Major General Abdulsalam E. Abubakar, has cautioned Journalists to observe ethical considerations and respect the confidentiality of those involved in operations.

  He stated this recently, while declaring opened a One-Day Media Training for Journalists on Ethics and Security Considerations in Media Coverage of Military Operations, organised by Plateau State Correspondents Chapel of NUJ in collaboration with OPSH, held at GreatKlinks Hotel Jos, the Plateau State capital.

    Represented by the Chief of Staff, OPSH, Brigadier General M.O. Agbi, the GOC described ethics as the foundation of credible journalism and it totally relied on the journalist to deliver accurate, fair and balanced reportage, especially during conflict and crisis times. 

    He added that, ethical considerations in military operations were pbeyond just accuracy, but also involve respect for confidentiality for sensitive information, respect for dignity and life of those involved in the operations. 

   “This also involves the commitment to never institutionalised in a way that would incite fear or misunderstanding. 

   “Therefore, while reporting military operations, you must consider accuracy and verification of information, because these reports can lead to omission and undermine public trust.

   “You must not forget to be sensitive to the families and communities impacted by conflict in the course of your reportage. Security consideration in military coverage is paramount”, Abubakar advised. 

   He, therefore, urged reporters to consider balance and objective reporting, avoiding biases that would affect public sensation about operations or the intent for military. 

    On his part, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, advised the media to always give more positive reports about the military and other forces.

    This, according to him, would boost the morale of the populace, and reduce the complicity given to the terrorists and people that were perpetrating evil. 

    Also, the President, Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN), Ndam Bali, said, “when you observed your ethics and for security consideration, strike a balance. 

    “And our reason why we keep asking for striking on the balance is, sometimes when these things happened and as peace network, we don’t have the numbers and it hampers the world”, he reiterated.  

    The Plateau State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mrs Ayuku Pwaspo, appreciated the Military for the support they have received so far. “We enjoyed this partnership and we assure you that we will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders in the Plateau project. 

    “For us as Journalists, we also have ethics like other professionals. We are glad that we have this opportunity to understand the rudiments and importance of the Military”, she noted.

   Pwaspo, therefore, urged her colleagues to stick to the ethics and  continue to reflect on the ethics of analysis and foster peace and unity in our country.

    Earlier, Chairman, Correspondents Chapel, Mr Polycarp Auta, assured that as Journalists, “our role is vital in informing the public while navigating the complex ethical landscapes.

    “Today, we will discuss best practices for reporting in Conflict Zones, theimportance of understanding military protocols, and the ethical implications ofour coverage.

    “Together, we aim to foster a responsible media environment that respects both the need for transparency and the necessity of security.This exercise will enable us understand the nexus between free press and national security, how to build public trust and the structure of the military and its legal frameworks”, he emphasized.

     Auta, noted that the training would further expose them to some of ethical and security considerations, as well as the protection of sources while reporting military operations.