The National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser held a one-day roundtable discussion for Defence Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DECAN) on Security and National Interest in Abuja on 5 December, 2024.

                                                                                                                   A cross section of some of the participants and dignitaries at the event

At the event the National Coordinator, Major General AG Laka noted that the media’s role, particularly in the domains of defense and security, is critical in shaping public perception and influencing policy regarding essential matters of national security and interest.

General Laka said through reporting, analysis, and story telling, journalists hold the power to influence strategies, people’s actions, and reactions through the information they disseminate to members of the public. 

“Most of you have reported from the front lines, analyzed trends, and followed the intrinsic network that sustained these threats to our national security and interest. You have confronted not just the facts, but also the responsibility to report with accuracy, fairness, and sensitivity in an environment that is often fraught with misinformation and heightened emotions.”

The NCTC Coordinator assured the Defence Correspondents that the National Counterterrorism Center Office of the National Security Advisor will continue to collaborate with them and other critical stakeholders to achieve and sustain the disruption of terrorist propaganda.

Front roll, (R-L): Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; National Coordinator, NCTC, Maj Gen AG Laka and the Keynote Speaker, Maj Gen Chris Olukolade (rtd), at the event

“By sharing your experiences, observations, and challenges, together we aim to enhance collective understanding of the dynamism of terrorism and its evolving tactics, discover the ethical considerations of reporting on such sensitive issues, identify opportunities for collaboration between journalists, security experts, and policymakers, and harvest thoughts for the development of a national strategic communication plan and protocols for the gathering and distribution of news on terrorism and violent extremism with the hope of stemming threats to our national security and interest,” he stressed.

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria, General Christopher Musa, has emphasized the military’s commitment to protecting the nation’s sovereignty through the practice of developmental journalism. This specialized form of journalism concentrates on the social, economic, and political advancement of the country.

 The Defence Chief made this known during a Roundtable with Defence Correspondents and the Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, NCTC in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

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L-R: BoT Chairman, Crisis Communication Centre, Maj Gen Chris Olukolade (rtd); an Aide to the NSA, Idayat Hassan; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa; rep. of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris and DG Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace; Director State Liaison Directorate, ONSA, Lami Chinada, at the roundtable discussion

General Musa said that “In the area of defence beats, development journalism seeks to promote public awareness and understanding of defence as well as security issues, while holding governments, the defence sector and other stakeholders accountable for their actions as well as informing decision-making by policymakers and defence officials.”

The Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, said it is essential that reporters always bear national interest in mind in their reportage, especially on matters of national security. 

Dare who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said the roundtable with Defence Correspondents is very important as journalists shape and project the image of the country through their reportage. 

“So for journalists that are here today, please let us know that there is a need for a fine balance between our reporterial duty and national interest.”

Presenting a paper titled; National Security and National Interest: A Development Journalism Approach for the Defence Beat, retired Major General Chris Olukolade emphasized that it is important for everyone to continuously work together to promote the culture of security awareness and collective responsibility.

                  Officials and participants at the event in a group photograph

“In an era of rising security threats, the role of journalists in shaping public perceptions and fostering national cohesion cannot be overstated. Reporting on Defence beat in a counter-terrorism context demands a delicate balance between transparency and protection of national security. “

He clarified that development journalism has its emphasis on nation-building and offers a constructive framework for journalists covering sensitive issues of counter-terrorism to ensure that media coverage aligns with national interests as they are intricately linked.