GOC Seeks Media Support On Security

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General Sunday Idoko, has called on media organisations in Nigeria to always assist in sensitising  members of the public on the need to give useful information that could help security operatives in apprehending suspected criminals in the country.

He also called on the media to always see itself as partner in progress with security agencies, saying after all, ”we all have a common goal of promoting peace and unity in the land”.

Making the call while receiving executive members of the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Enugu State chapter on a courtesy call, General Idoko,  noted  that since  security remains the bedrock for development in any nation including Nigeria, there is need for all and sundry to always take the issue very seriously, adding that  without adequate security no meaningful achievement could take place in any society.

Expressing happiness that security situation in the South East geo- political zone of the country has improved tremendously, the GOC equally urged journalists in the country to always cross check  their facts on security issues  before going to  press.

According to him, “even though, there may still be some security challenges in the area, the situation, when compared to what it was in the recent past has improved tremendously”.

“Security is the business of everybody, and security operatives are not magicians to know every where criminals are operating at any point in time, hence they need useful information to operate and be able to arrest suspected hoodlums in their various hideouts”, he said.

He, however, assured that the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, would not rest on its oars until the people of the South East zone and other states within its area of jurisdiction begin to go to bed with their two eyes closed. He renewed commitment in ensuring that there is conducive atmosphere in the states of Division’s operations which include  South East, South- South, Benue and part of Taraba states.

Earlier in his speech, chairman of the Correspondent Chapel, Mr. Chris Oji, had told the GOC that the essence of the visit was to enable the new leadership of the union familiarise itself with the Division as well as seek ways of partnering with it.

While assuring General Idoko, of the union’s readiness to collaborate with the Division through adequate reportage of its activities, Oji, urged the Army chief to package a workshop or seminar for the Correspondents’ Chapel members with a view to acquitting them with some of the military terminologies while reporting security issues on the Division.