By Helen Udo.
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 defence reporting.
The assurance was given by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, during a courtesy visit by the newly elected DECAN executive led by its President, Sunday Odita, at the Directorate of Defence Media Operations in Abuja.
The disclosure was made in a statement signed by Mathew Abi, the Public Relations Officer of the Defence Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DECAN).
Maj. Gen. Onoja said the Directorate would continue to operate an open-door policy, encouraging journalists to seek clarification whenever they require accurate information on military activities.
He stressed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained committed to transparency and providing factual information to the public through responsible engagement with the media.
According to him, the military values the media as strategic partners in informing Nigerians about defence operations and national security issues.
Onoja, however, explained that certain operational details could not always be released immediately because of security considerations.
He noted that withholding sensitive information was necessary to protect ongoing military operations and prevent unintended consequences.
The defence spokesperson described media operations as a vital component of modern military campaigns, saying effective communication helps shape public perception and sustain confidence in the Armed Forces.
He said the Directorate of Defence Media Operations was established to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information relating to military activities.
Onoja expressed concern over the increasing spread of misinformation, disinformation and hostile propaganda, particularly across social media platforms.
He emphasised that stronger collaboration between the military and journalists would significantly reduce the spread of false narratives capable of undermining national security.
The Director urged media practitioners to ensure that their reports promote national security, unity and social cohesion rather than deepen divisions.
He also conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for the professionalism and balanced reporting demonstrated by defence correspondents.
According to him, the military leadership remains open to constructive suggestions that will further strengthen cooperation between the Defence Headquarters and the media.
Speaking during the visit, DECAN President Sunday Odita described the relationship between the association and the Defence Headquarters as a strategic partnership built on shared national interests.
He said while troops defend Nigeria on the battlefield, defence correspondents complement their efforts through accurate, balanced and responsible reporting.
Odita commended the Defence Headquarters for sustaining an inclusive media engagement policy, particularly the operational tours organised earlier in the year.
He noted that the tours enabled over 100 defence correspondents to witness military operations firsthand, thereby improving the quality, credibility and depth of defence reporting.
The DECAN President appealed for more regular operational briefings to enable journalists provide timely and factual reports capable of countering misinformation.
He also disclosed that the association was concluding arrangements to launch its official publication, The Defence Correspondent, to showcase the activities of the Defence Headquarters, the Armed Forces and other defence institutions.
Odita further appealed to the Defence Headquarters to establish a dedicated Defence Correspondents’ Press Centre to improve media coordination and provide a functional workspace for journalists covering the defence sector.
The visit concluded with both the Defence Headquarters and DECAN reaffirming their commitment to deeper collaboration in promoting credible information, strengthening national security and enhancing public trust in the Armed Forces.
