ARMY SOLICIT MEDIA SUPPORT IN OPERATION ATILOGWU UDO 1
Media Professionals have been challenged to refrain from bias and sensationalism in reporting issues bothering on national security.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, gave the charge in a message to the opening of a two day Civil-Media- Military Relations Summit for south east zone taking place at the 82 Division Nigerian Army Enugu.
Represented by the Chief of Training and Operations Nigerian Army, Major General Enobong Udoh, General Buratai said the summit was to sensitize the media and galvanizise support ahead of commencement of the yuletide security exercise code named: “Operation Atilogwu Udo One;” meaning “Peaceful Dance.”
He noted that the exercise, which takes off November 1, 2019 was aimed at fighting kidnapping and other acts of criminality during the Christmas celebration.
General Buratai explained that the Army would embark on social services, including free medical outreach and sanitation exercises, to deepen civil military relations.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Nigerian Army Enugu, Brigadier General Lasisi Adeboye, said measures had been taken to ensure that personnel to be involved in the operation were guided by the rules.
He said law abiding citizens in the south east had nothing to worry about and vowed to complement the effort of other security agencies in maintaining the peace.
Enugu State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Simon Ortuanya, described the media and civil society organisations as critical in the success of the “Operation Atilogwu Dance One” in the south east and solicited their understanding.
He commended the Army for sacrifices in maintaining peace and pledged the commitment of his administration to fight crime in the state.
The summit with the theme: “Galvanizising Citizens Support for Military Operations in Nigeria through the Media,” is being attended by select journalists from the five south east states.
CHINAZO ILECHUKWU