The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and constructive engagement with the media, assuring journalists that the Directorate of Defence Media Operations will maintain its open-door policy while safeguarding operational security.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, gave the assurance while receiving the newly elected executive members of the Defence Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DECAN), led by its President, Mr Sunday Odita, during a courtesy visit to the Directorate in Abuja.
Major General Onoja said the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained committed to providing the public with accurate and factual information, and encouraged defence correspondents to seek clarification whenever necessary, to prevent the spread of misinformation.
He said the Directorate operates an open-door policy and urged journalists to seek clarification whenever in doubt. However, he explained that certain information could not be released immediately because of operational security considerations and the need to protect ongoing military operations.
The defence spokesman described media operations as a vital component of modern military campaigns, noting that effective communication is essential to shaping public perception, countering misinformation and maintaining public confidence in the Armed Forces.
He expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation, disinformation and hostile propaganda, particularly on social media, and called for closer collaboration between the military and the media to ensure that only verified information is disseminated to the public.
Furthermore, Major General Onoja urged journalists to support national security and social cohesion through balanced, accurate and responsible reporting, warning that unverified or divisive reports could undermine national stability.
He also conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for the vital role defence correspondents continue to play in promoting balanced and credible reporting.
Strategic Parrnership
Speaking on behalf of Defence Correspondents Association, its President, Mr Sunday Odita, described the relationship between the Defence Headquarters and defence correspondents as a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening national security and enhancing public confidence in the Armed Forces.
He commended the Directorate for sustaining inclusive media engagement, particularly the operational visits organised earlier this year for more than 100 defence correspondents, which he said provided first-hand insight into military operations and enhanced the quality and credibility of defence reporting.
Mr Odita appealed for more regular operational briefings to counter misinformation and disclosed that the Association was finalising plans to launch its official publication, Defence Correspondent, to showcase the activities of the Defence Headquarters and other defence institutions.
He also requested the establishment of a dedicated Defence Correspondents’ Press Centre to improve media coordination and further strengthen civil-military relations.
The visit ended with both the Defence Headquarters and DECAN reaffirming their commitment to deepening collaboration in promoting credible information, national security and public confidence.
 has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and constructive engagement with the media, assuring journalists that the Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DMO) will maintain its open-door policy while safeguarding operational security.){kind=link}