The Nigerian Army, through its Department of Civil–Military Affairs, on Thursday held its Fourth Quarter 2025 Media Chat in Jos, bringing together security experts, media practitioners, and academics to deepen discussions on security reporting and public trust.
The engagement, held at Crispan Suites and Event Centre, Rayfield, centred on the theme: “The Nigerian Security Environment: Role of Strategic Communication in Strengthening Civil–Military Relations.”
Retired Army spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman (Rtd), stressed that truth, trust, transparency, and accountability remain the pillars of effective civil–military engagement. He noted that longstanding misconceptions—fueled by misinformation, disinformation, and poor synergy—continue to strain relations between the military and the media. He urged both institutions to identify themselves as partners in national development.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waheed Shaibu, the GOC 3 Division and Commander Operation Enduring Peace, Maj. Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola, said the Army is increasingly exploring non-kinetic strategies to address security challenges. He highlighted the influence of ICT on information flow, warning that fake news, propaganda, and unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information pose real dangers to national security.
“This has necessitated deeper collaboration between the Nigerian Army and media stakeholders to build a formidable front against shared security challenges,” he said.
Chief of Civil–Military Affairs, Maj. Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, explained that the theme was deliberately crafted to harmonize patriotic efforts between the Army and the media toward achieving national security goals. He appealed to journalists to uphold ethics and embrace truthful, responsible reporting to strengthen national unity and public confidence.
A lecture delivered by Prof. Eze Cosmos of the Mass Communication Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, examined strategic communication as a key tool in countering violent extremism and insurgency. He emphasized the importance of shaping narratives that support national stability.
Panel discussions featured senior military officers, scholars, and media leaders—including Maj. Gen. Mohammed Bello, Brig. Gen. Usman (Rtd), Prof. Taye Obatomi, and Chairperson of the NUJ Plateau State Council, Mrs. Ayiku Pwaspo—who deliberated on improving security reportage, enhancing collaboration, and strengthening public trust.
Special Guest of Honour and Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mallam Salihu Dembos, represented by Mrs. Rifkatu Daniel, commended the Army for sustaining such engagements. He reaffirmed NTA’s commitment to promoting accurate, conflict-sensitive, and responsible journalism.
Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, in his goodwill message, praised the Army for fostering dialogue, noting that non-kinetic strategies remain essential in complementing efforts of security agencies.
Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr. Polycarp Auta, lauded the Army’s commitment to peacebuilding and urged continuous cooperation between the media and security institutions.
The media chat concluded with an interactive session between journalists and Maj. Gen. Etsu-Ndagi, aimed at strengthening feedback channels and deepening cooperation in the collective pursuit of national security.
BY SUNDAY SAMUEL—The Lagos State Police Command, in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at enhancing public safety, strengthening security, and denying criminal elements the opportunity to conceal their identities and activities, will commence a statewide enforcement exercise against vehicles with covered, obscured, unauthorised, defaced or no registration number plates.
The exercise will commence on Monday, 15th June 2026, and will be led by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips. He has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), across the State to commence enforcement of the directive and ensure full compliance within their respective Areas of Responsibility. He further directed that any vehicle found violating the directive be impounded and subjected to thorough investigation in accordance with extant laws and established procedures.
The Command wishes to assure members of the public that this enforcement exercise is not intended to inconvenience law-abiding motorists. Rather, it is a proactive security measure designed to enhance the capacity of Police operatives to identify vehicles, investigate crimes, track criminal suspects, and strengthen the overall security architecture of the State.
Accordingly, motorists, transport operators, fleet owners, and members of the public are advised to ensure that their vehicles carry valid, duly issued, and clearly visible registration number plates at all times. Vehicle owners are also encouraged to ensure that all relevant vehicle documents are up-to-date and readily available for inspection when required.
The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property and creating a safer environment for all residents and visitors in the State. The success of this initiative, like all policing efforts, depends largely on the cooperation and support of members of the public. The Command appreciates the understanding, cooperation, and continued support of Lagosians as it continues to implement measures aimed at ensuring the safety and security of all.
Security is a shared responsibility. The Command therefore urges residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements, or activities through the Command’s emergency lines: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929.
Charlie Javice, the convicted Frank founder, is reportedly seeking a presidential pardon, with her camp quietly courting people close to the Trump administration, according to the WSJ. So far, her name hasn’t turned up on a formal clemency request list at the Justice Department, it adds.
That list is growing fast. As the administration reportedly weighs handing out roughly 250 pardons this summer to mark America’s 250th birthday, a wave of clemency requests is pouring in from white-collar defendants — including Sam Bankman-Fried.
JPMorgan can’t be pleased by any of this. Last September, Javice was found guilty of fabricating millions of customer accounts to inflate her startup’s value before selling it to the bank for $175 million. She’s now serving more than seven years and is appealing, arguing the case against her was unfair.
The bank may have extra cause for concern given its relationship with President Trump. In early 2021, it closed accounts tied to Trump and his businesses shortly after the January 6 Capitol riot, a move that Trump has since called political “debanking,” suing JPMorgan and CEO Jamie Dimon for $5 billion. (JPMorgan denies any political motive.)
Javice has powerful friends, too, including Apollo’s Marc Rowan, an early Frank investor who testified on her behalf at trial. Rowan has donated to Trump’s campaigns and, since his reelection, has given millions more to Republican congressional groups.