The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullah Mustapha, has called for stronger collaboration between the military and the media to counter misinformation and promote national security.
He made the call on Monday while receiving a delegation from Radio Nigeria Network News Bureau in lagos, on a familiarisation visit to the Western Naval Command.
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of officers, ratings and civilian staff, the FOC commended the existing cordial relationship between the Nigerian Navy and the media, noting that the Chief of the Naval Staff also acknowledged the organisation’s professionalism in combating fake news.
Rear Admiral Mustapha warned that the rise of artificial intelligence and digital technology has made misinformation more complex, stressing that timely and accurate media response is critical in shaping public perception and preventing security risks.
He described journalism as a vital component of modern military operations, particularly in communicating strategic messages and preventing the spread of disinformation.
Highlighting Nigeria’s security landscape, the naval chief listed threats such as kidnapping, terrorism, piracy, smuggling and drug trafficking, while emphasising the Navy’s responsibility in securing the maritime domain for economic growth.
He noted that piracy and other maritime crimes have far-reaching economic implications, including increased shipping costs and higher prices of goods, but added that Nigeria has made progress since being delisted from the global piracy-prone nations list in 2021.
According to him, the Western Naval Command has adopted both operational and community-based approaches, including stakeholder engagement and proposed regulations on boat movements, to curb criminal activities along the waterways.
Earlier, the Head of the delegation from Radio Nigeria Network News Bureau, Dr Abimbola Oyetunde, said the visit was aimed at reinforcing the existing relationship between the media and the Nigerian Navy.
She commended the leadership of the Western Naval Command for its role in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters and combating maritime crimes such as piracy, oil theft and illegal fishing.
She noted that the visit was not only symbolic but strategic, aimed at fostering mutual understanding and enhancing the flow of accurate information to the public, especially in an era of rising misinformation.
The bureau chief further stressed the importance of strong institutional partnerships, assuring the Navy of Radio Nigeria’s commitment to responsible journalism, professionalism and national development.
She added that the organisation was interested in deepening engagement with the command in areas of information sharing, capacity building and strategic communication to better project the Navy’s activities and contributions.
She also appealed for the Navy’s support in sponsoring programmes that will further educate the public on maritime security and showcase the activities of the service.
Both parties expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and the media would strengthen national security and support economic development.
Reporting By WAHAB AKINLADE