The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Defence Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DECAN) to combat misinformation, disinformation and hostile propaganda, while promoting credible information in support of national security.
According to an official statement, signed by the Public Relations Officer, Defence Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DECAN), Mathew Abi, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, gave the assurance when he received the newly elected executive members of DECAN, led by its President, Sunday Odita, during a courtesy visit to the Directorate of Defence Media Operations in Abuja.
Major General Onoja said the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue to operate an open-door policy with the media, stressing that transparency and constructive engagement remain central to the military’s communication strategy.
“I operate an open-door policy. If you have any doubt, you are free to ask,” he said.
He, however, explained that certain information could not always be released immediately because of operational security.
“Sometimes information cannot be released immediately because of operational security, not because we are hiding it. Some information is sensitive and premature disclosure could have serious consequences,” he stated.
The Director of Defence Media Operations described media operations as a critical component of modern military campaigns, noting that effective communication plays a vital role in shaping public perception, countering misinformation and sustaining public confidence in the Armed Forces.
“Media operations is one of the lines of operation that is very important whenever the military is conducting operations. That is why this office was created, and we are committed to partnering with the media to ensure that only accurate information is made available to the public,” he said.
Major General Onoja expressed concern over the increasing spread of misinformation, disinformation and hostile propaganda, particularly on social media platforms, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between the military and the media.
“We are very concerned about hostile propaganda. If we partner with the media, we will make greater progress in countering false narratives. The press is not our enemy; they are partners who help inform Nigerians about what the military is doing,” he added.
He urged journalists to promote national security and social cohesion through balanced and responsible reporting.
“Whatever you publish should enhance national security and national cohesion. We should avoid divisive reportage that could worsen existing tensions in the country,” he said.
Major General Onoja also conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for the role defence correspondents play in ensuring balanced reportage, adding that the military leadership remains open to suggestions that would strengthen cooperation with the media.
The statement further disclosed that DECAN President, Sunday Odita, described the relationship between the Defence Headquarters and defence correspondents as a strategic partnership aimed at promoting national security and strengthening public confidence in the Armed Forces.
“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,” Odita said.
He commended the Directorate of Defence Media Operations for sustaining an inclusive media engagement policy, particularly the opportunity granted to more than 100 defence correspondents to visit operational theatres across the country earlier this year.
According to him, the visits provided journalists with first-hand insights into military operations, significantly improving the credibility, accuracy and depth of defence reporting.
Odita appealed for more frequent operational briefings, noting that regular interaction between military authorities and journalists would help counter misinformation, disinformation and hostile propaganda.
He also disclosed that DECAN was in the final stages of launching its official publication, The Defence Correspondent, which is expected to document and project the activities of the Defence Headquarters, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other defence institutions.
The DECAN President further appealed to the Defence Headquarters to establish a dedicated Defence Correspondents’ Press Centre to serve as a central hub for journalists covering the defence sector.
“Such a facility will strengthen civil-military relations, improve media coordination and provide a befitting operational workspace for defence correspondents,” he said.
The visit concluded with both the Defence Headquarters and DECAN reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation in promoting credible information, national security and public trust.
