The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, and the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria, DECAN, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to combat fake news, misinformation and disinformation while promoting accurate defence reporting in Nigeria.
The commitment was made on Friday during a courtesy visit by the newly elected DECAN executives, led by the association’s President, Odita Sunday, to the Director of Defence Information, DDI, Major General Samaila Uba, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Odita 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 members of the Armed Forces defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity on the battlefield, defence correspondents complement their 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 the initiative had improved the credibility and accuracy of reports on military operations.
He appealed for more regular operational briefings to enable journalists verify information promptly and effectively counter misinformation, disinformation and hostile propaganda.
The DECAN president also announced plans by the association to launch its official publication, The Defence Correspondent magazine, to document the activities and achievements of the Armed Forces and other defence institutions.
He further requested the Defence Headquarters to support the publication and consider establishing a dedicated Defence Correspondents Press Centre within one of its civil-military estates in Abuja.
According to him, the proposed centre would provide a functional workspace for defence journalists and serve as a central point for briefings and coordination with military authorities.
Responding, Major General 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 stressed that journalists play a critical role as a bridge between the military and the public by providing factual, balanced and responsible information on defence and security matters.
The Director of Defence Information warned that the growing threat of misinformation, disinformation, social media manipulation and artificial intelligence has made responsible defence reporting more important than ever.
He urged journalists to verify information through official military channels before publication, noting that responsible journalism denies criminal and terrorist groups the opportunity to exploit false narratives capable of creating fear or undermining public confidence.
Uba assured the association that the Defence Headquarters would continue engaging the media through regular press briefings, interviews, media tours and capacity-building programmes while maintaining operational security.
He welcomed the proposed The Defence Correspondent magazine, describing it as a timely initiative capable of attracting support from defence stakeholders and advertisers.
The DDI also said the requests for a Defence Correspondents Press Centre and a dedicated operational bus were worthwhile and would receive due consideration.
He cautioned journalists against publishing classified military documents or sensitive operational information that could compromise ongoing operations or aid terrorist groups, urging them to verify such materials with the appropriate authorities before publication.
Major General Uba also 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.
