By Chimezie Godfrey
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has called on members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) to sustain their support for the Armed Forces’ counter-terrorism operations through responsible, accurate and patriotic journalism.
According to a statement signed by DECAN President, Odita Sunday, the CDS made the appeal on Friday in Abuja through the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major-General Sumaila Uba, when the association paid a courtesy visit to the Defence Headquarters.
Oluyede acknowledged the contributions of defence correspondents in supporting military operations through credible reportage and urged them to remain committed to advancing national security.
“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,” the CDS said.
Speaking during the visit, Maj.-Gen. Uba praised defence correspondents for their professionalism and dedication to reporting defence and security issues in a manner that protects the national interest.
He described the media as a strategic partner in promoting national security, strengthening public confidence in the Armed Forces and projecting the sacrifices and achievements of troops engaged in various operations across the country.
According to him, defence correspondents occupy a unique position within the Nigerian media by serving as a vital link between the military and the public through factual, balanced and responsible reporting.
Uba expressed concern over the growing threat of misinformation, disinformation, social media manipulation and the misuse of artificial intelligence, stressing that journalists must verify information through official military channels before publication.
He noted that responsible journalism helps deny terrorists and other criminal elements the opportunity to exploit false narratives capable of creating fear, undermining public confidence or tarnishing the image of the Armed Forces.
The DDI also cautioned journalists against publishing classified military documents or operational information that could compromise ongoing operations or aid terrorist groups.
“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,” he said.
Uba assured the association that the Defence Headquarters would continue to strengthen engagement with the media through regular press briefings, interviews, operational tours and capacity-building programmes while ensuring operational security is not compromised.
Earlier, DECAN President Odita Sunday described the relationship between the Defence Headquarters and the association as a strategic partnership aimed at advancing national security through responsible journalism.
He said while troops defend the country’s territorial integrity on the battlefield, defence correspondents complement their efforts by informing, educating and shaping public understanding through accurate and balanced reporting.
Odita commended the Directorate of Defence Information for granting journalists access to operational theatres across the country, noting that the initiative has improved the credibility and accuracy of reports on military operations.
He appealed for more frequent operational briefings to enable journalists to verify facts and effectively counter misinformation, disinformation and hostile propaganda.
The DECAN President also disclosed that the association was finalising plans to launch its official magazine, The Defence Correspondent, which will document the activities and achievements of the Armed Forces and other defence institutions.
He further appealed to the Defence Headquarters to support the publication and consider establishing a dedicated Defence Correspondents Press Centre within one of its civil-military estates in Abuja to provide a functional workspace and enhance coordination between the military and accredited defence correspondents.