The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has cautioned media organisations and defence correspondents against publishing classified military documents or sensitive operational information that could aid terrorist groups or compromise national security.
According to an official statement signed by the President of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), Odita Sunday, the warning was issued by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Samaila Uba, during a courtesy visit by the newly elected DECAN executive to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Major General Uba said while the military recognises the media as a strategic partner in promoting national security, strengthening public confidence and projecting the sacrifices and achievements of troops, journalists must exercise caution in handling sensitive military information.
“Whenever classified information comes into your possession, please verify it with the appropriate authorities before publication. Ultimately, safeguarding sensitive military information is in Nigeria’s collective interest,” he said.
The DDI reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to transparency, credibility and the timely dissemination of information within the limits imposed by operational security.
According to him, although certain operational details cannot be disclosed for security reasons, the military will continue to engage the media through press briefings, press releases, interviews, media tours and other strategic communication platforms.
Major General Uba noted that the increasing spread of misinformation, disinformation, social media manipulation and artificial intelligence has made responsible defence reporting more important than ever, urging journalists to verify information through official military channels before publication.
He said responsible journalism strengthens national security by preventing adversaries from exploiting false narratives intended to create fear, undermine public confidence and damage the reputation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The DDI commended defence correspondents for their professionalism and commitment to reporting military and defence-related issues in the national interest, describing them as an important bridge between the Armed Forces and the Nigerian public.
“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,” he said.
Major General Uba also assured the association that the Defence Headquarters would continue to strengthen its engagement with the media through regular press briefings, interviews, media tours and capacity-building programmes while maintaining operational security.
Delivering a message from the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, the DDI urged members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria to sustain their support for the military’s counter-terrorism efforts through responsible and patriotic reporting.
“The CDS said I should tell you that he is aware of what DECAN is doing in supporting our counter-terrorism efforts and urges you to continue supporting the efforts of the Armed Forces,” Major General Uba stated.
Earlier, DECAN President Odita Sunday described the relationship between the Defence Headquarters and the association as a strategic partnership in advancing national security through responsible journalism.
He commended the Directorate of Defence Information for providing journalists with access to operational theatres across the country, saying the initiative had enhanced the credibility and accuracy of reports on military operations.
Odita appealed for more regular operational briefings to enable journalists verify facts and effectively counter misinformation, disinformation and hostile propaganda.
He also disclosed that the association was finalising plans to launch its official magazine, The Defence Correspondent, and appealed to the Defence Headquarters to support the initiative and consider establishing a dedicated Defence Correspondents Press Centre in Abuja to enhance collaboration between the military and defence journalists.
