The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protecting lives and property while urging journalists to embrace responsible and conflict-sensitive reporting to counter disinformation and safeguard Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
General Oluyede made the call during the 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council, held in Abuja under the theme, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation.”
Represented by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Simila Uba, the Defence Chief described the theme as timely and significant given the evolving security and information challenges confronting the nation.
He noted that the media remains a critical pillar of democracy and an indispensable instrument for national cohesion, public enlightenment and accountability in contemporary society.
According to him, the Armed Forces have increasingly recognised the media as an essential partner in the collective effort to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.
General Oluyede stressed that the relationship between the military and the press is not merely one of convenience but of necessity, explaining that while the military secures the physical environment, the media shapes and protects the information space.
He said, “Media narratives influence public perception, national morale and even the strategic outcomes of military operations,” adding that factual, balanced and conflict-sensitive reporting helps deny terrorism, banditry and disinformation the attention and legitimacy they seek.
The Defence Chief therefore underscored the importance of responsible journalism to national security, particularly in an era where information travels rapidly across digital platforms and social media.
He warned that the ethical responsibility of journalists has never been greater, urging media practitioners to verify information before publication, prioritise national interest without compromising truth and continue highlighting the sacrifices of military personnel serving in conflict zones.
Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, called on journalists nationwide to play a more active role in defending democracy against the growing threat of false information and manipulated narratives ahead of future elections.
Speaking on the theme of the Press Week, Ike described disinformation as a serious danger to national peace, unity and democratic governance, stressing that journalists must remain steadfast in their commitment to truth, ethical reporting and professionalism.
She maintained that journalists are not mere observers of national events but custodians of truth and defenders of public interest, noting that the credibility of the media depends on accurate reporting and resistance to fake news and distorted narratives designed to erode public trust.
Delivering the keynote address, Minority Leader of the 9th House of Representatives, Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, described the Press Week theme as apt and relevant, warning that the weaponisation of disinformation poses a growing threat to Nigeria’s democratic process and calling on the media to reinforce its resolve to protect society as the week-long event continues with lectures and engagements on democracy, governance and national development.
