By Miriam Humbe
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) to sustain their support for the military’s counter-terrorism efforts through responsible and patriotic reportage.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by President of Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), Odita Sunday and General Secretary, Musa Umar Bologi on Friday.
General Oluyede made the call on Friday in a message delivered by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major-General Sumaila Uba, when DECAN paid a courtesy visit to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja.
“I am aware of what DECAN is doing in supporting our counter-terrorism efforts. I urge you to continue supporting the efforts of the Armed Forces,” he said.
Speaking in his capacity as Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Uba commended defence correspondents for the professionalism they consistently display in reporting military and defence-related issues.
He noted that their reportage is guided by the national interest and the imperative of safeguarding national security.
Uba said that while the DHQ recognised the media as a strategic partner in promoting national security, fostering public confidence, and projecting the sacrifices and achievements of troops, defence correspondents occupy a unique position within the Nigerian media landscape.
“Your responsibility goes beyond reporting events. You serve as an important bridge between the military and the Nigerian public by providing factual, balanced and responsible information on defence and security matters,” he said.
The DDI noted that the rise of misinformation, disinformation, social media manipulation and artificial intelligence has made responsible defence reporting more critical than ever, urging journalists to always verify information through official military channels before publication.
“Responsible journalism strengthens national security by denying adversaries the opportunity to exploit false narratives designed to create fear, erode public confidence or damage the reputation of our Armed Forces,” he added.
He warned journalists against publishing classified military documents or sensitive operational information capable of aiding terrorist groups, noting that some information must remain confidential until it no longer poses security risks.
“Whenever classified information comes into your possession, please verify it with the appropriate authorities before publication. Ultimately, safeguarding sensitive military information is in Nigeria’s collective interest,” Uba said.
Uba assured DECAN that the DHQ would continue engaging the media through press briefings, interviews, media tours and capacity-building programmes while maintaining operational security.
Earlier, DECAN President Odita Sunday described the relationship between the DHQ and DECAN as a “strategic partnership” in advancing national security through responsible journalism.
“While our gallant troops defend the nation’s territorial integrity on the battlefield, we complement their efforts by informing, educating and shaping public understanding through accurate, balanced and responsible reportage,” he said.
Odita commended the Directorate of Defence Information for granting journalists access to operational theatres across the country, noting that such opportunities have improved the credibility and accuracy of reports on military operations.
He appealed for more regular operational briefings to enable journalists to verify facts and counter misinformation, disinformation and hostile propaganda.
Odita also disclosed that the association was concluding plans to launch its official magazine, The Defence Correspondent, which would document the activities and achievements of the Armed Forces and other defence institutions.
He appealed to the Defence Headquarters to support the initiative and also consider establishing a dedicated Defence Correspondents Press Centre within one of its civil-military estates in Abuja.
“Such a centre would provide a functional workspace and serve as a central point through which defence correspondents can easily be reached, briefed and coordinated by military authorities whenever necessary,” he said.
