Nigerian government plans to embed journalists in military operations, says defense minister.

The Nigerian government has announced plans to embed journalists with military units during selected operations to improve accurate security reporting and deepen public understanding of ongoing counter‑insurgency and internal security efforts.

Minister of Defense, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), revealed the initiative on Thursday at the National Security Summit organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja.

Represented by his special adviser, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole (rtd.), the minister said the move aims to strengthen collaboration between the media and security agencies while boosting transparency and public confidence in military operations.

Musa described the media as a critical partner in national security management, noting that modern warfare now extends beyond land, air, and maritime domains to include the information space.

He added that effective security outcomes should be measured not only by battlefield success but also by public trust and confidence in security institutions.

“More than ever before, the media are not only enablers; they are stabilizers of government,” Musa said. “The defense ministry is exploring arrangements to embed journalists with military units during operations to enable more accurate reporting and deeper understanding of operational realities.”