The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration to promote accurate defence reporting, combat misinformation and disinformation, and enhance public confidence in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
According to an official statement signed by the President of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), Odita Sunday, and the General Secretary, Musa Umar Bologi, the commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the newly elected DECAN executive to the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Samaila Uba, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
Speaking during the visit, DECAN President, Odita Sunday, described the relationship between the Defence Headquarters and defence correspondents as a strategic partnership that contributes to national security through responsible journalism.
He said while military personnel safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity on the battlefield, defence correspondents complement those efforts by informing, educating and shaping public understanding through accurate, balanced and responsible reporting.
Odita commended the Directorate of Defence Information for granting journalists access to operational theatres across the country, noting that such engagements had improved the credibility and accuracy of reports on military operations.
He appealed for more frequent operational briefings to enable journalists 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, to document the activities and achievements of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other defence institutions.
He appealed to the Defence Headquarters to support the initiative and also consider establishing a dedicated Defence Correspondents Press Centre within one of its civil-military estates in Abuja to provide a functional workspace and improve coordination between the military and defence journalists.
Responding, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, congratulated the newly elected DECAN executives and described defence correspondents as strategic partners in promoting national security and strengthening public confidence in the Armed Forces.
He said the role of defence journalists extends beyond reporting events, noting that they serve as a vital bridge between the military and the Nigerian public by providing factual, balanced and responsible information on defence and security issues.
Major General Uba observed that the growing challenge posed by misinformation, disinformation, social media manipulation and artificial intelligence had made responsible defence reporting more important than ever. He urged journalists to always verify information through official military channels before publication.
According to him, responsible journalism strengthens national security by preventing adversaries from exploiting false narratives designed to create fear, undermine public confidence and damage the reputation of the Armed Forces.
The DDI assured DECAN that the Defence Headquarters would continue to engage the media through regular press briefings, interviews, media tours and capacity-building programmes while maintaining operational security.
He welcomed the association’s proposal to establish The Defence Correspondent magazine, describing it as a timely initiative capable of attracting support from defence stakeholders and advertisers.
Major General Uba also said the proposals for a Defence Correspondents Press Centre and a dedicated operational bus for the association were worthy of consideration.
He further cautioned journalists against publishing classified military documents or sensitive operational information that could aid terrorist groups, stressing the need to verify such information with the appropriate authorities before publication.
The Director conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Defence Staff to defence correspondents for their continued professional coverage of military activities and called for sustained collaboration in promoting peace, national unity and national security.
