Kaduna (Nigeria) — Nigerian military has warned journalists against visiting and covering activities in Boko Haram region without military authorisation, saying taking such steps are dangerous.
A statement by Defence Headquarters spokesman, Rabe Abubakar says, the “practice is not only capable of jeopardizing the success of the on-going military operations in the area, but also poses great concern to the safety of the journalists concerned.”
The statement further says that the military is not trying to prevent journalists from doing their work, but to provide cover for them.
“Much as the military is not trying to gag the press from carrying out their legitimate duties, permission should be sought from the Armed Forces before embarking on such venture. This will enable adequate security to be provided for such journalists by the military,” the statement says.
Full Military Statement
It has been observed that certain journalists embark on coverage of security areas in the North East for documentary purpose and the likes without due authorization from the military authorities.
This practice is not only capable of jeopardizing the success of the on-going military operations in the area but also poses great concern to the safety of the journalists concerned.
Much as the military is not trying to gag the press from carrying out their legitimate duties, permission should be sought from the Armed Forces before embarking on such venture.
This will enable adequate security to be provided for such journalists by the military.
Even though Boko Haram has been substantially decimated any roaming journalist could be a target of unsuspecting fleeing Boko Haram member and this will not be in the best interest of media organizations and the nation at large.
It is therefore, advised that any journalist desirable of covering conflict areas should seek permission from the military hierarchy so that adequate security arrangement could be provided by the troops on the ground.
It is also the responsibility of the military to safeguard the lives and property of the Nigerian citizenry including law abiding journalists in the theatre of operation and in Nigeria in general.
RABE ABUBAKAR
Brigadier General
Acting Director Defence Information
