By Miriam Humbe
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to promote accurate defence reporting, counter misinformation and enhance public confidence in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
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.
The commitment was made on Friday when the DECAN President, Odita Sunday led members of the new Executives on a courtesy visit to the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Samaila Uba, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Odita described the relationship between Defence Headquarters and defence correspondents 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.
The DECAN president commended the Directorate of Defence Information for granting journalists access to operational theatres across the country, noting that such opportunities had improved the credibility and accuracy of reports on military operations.
He appealed for more regular operational briefings to enable journalists 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.
Responding, Maj.-Gen Uba congratulated the newly elected DECAN executives and described defence correspondents as strategic partners in promoting national security and fostering public confidence in the Armed Forces.
“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 had made responsible defence reporting more critical, 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 stated.
Uba assured DECAN that Defence Headquarters would continue engaging the media through press briefings, interviews, media tours and capacity-building programmes while maintaining operational security.
He welcomed the association’s proposal to establish The Defence Correspondent magazine, describing it as a timely initiative that could attract support from defence stakeholders and advertisers.
“It is high time you had one. Defence Headquarters can help facilitate engagement with relevant stakeholders to make it a reality,” he said.
On the proposed Defence Correspondents Press Centre and request for a dedicated operational bus, the DDI said both proposals were worthwhile and would receive consideration.
He also urged journalists to avoid 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.
The Director further conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Defence Staff to defence correspondents for their continued support and professional coverage of military activities, calling for sustained collaboration in promoting peace, national unity and security.
