The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged defence correspondents to support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts through responsible, factual and patriotic journalism.
The Director of Defence Information, Major-General Sumaila Uba, said the Defence Chief made the appeal on Friday during a courtesy visit by the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff.
General Oluyede acknowledged the role of defence journalists in supporting military operations through accurate reporting.
“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.
General Oluyede praised defence correspondents for their professionalism, noting that their reports are guided by national interest and the need to protect national security.
He described the media as a strategic partner in promoting public confidence and highlighting the sacrifices and achievements of troops.
“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,” General Oluyede said.
He warned that misinformation, disinformation, social media manipulation and artificial intelligence have increased the need for responsible defence reporting.
General Oluyede urged journalists to verify sensitive information through official military channels before publication.
“Responsible journalism strengthens national security by denying adversaries the opportunity to exploit false narratives,” he stated.
General Oluyede also cautioned against publishing classified military documents or operational details that could compromise security.
“Whenever classified information comes into your possession, please verify it with the appropriate authorities before publication,” he said.
He assured journalists of continued engagement through briefings, interviews, media tours and capacity-building programmes.
Earlier, DECAN President, Odita Sunday, described the relationship between the association and the Defence Headquarters as a strategic partnership in advancing national security.
“While our gallant troops defend the nation’s territorial integrity on the battlefield, we complement their efforts through accurate, balanced and responsible reportage,” he said.
Odita commended the military for granting journalists access to operational theatres, saying it has improved the credibility of reports on security operations.
He also called for more regular operational briefings to help journalists verify facts and counter misinformation.
The DECAN President disclosed plans to launch The Defence Correspondent magazine to document the activities and achievements of the Armed Forces and other defence institutions.
He further appealed for support towards establishing a Defence Correspondents Press Centre in Abuja to enhance coordination and access to information.
