Khadijat Yusuf
Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and constructive engagement with the media, assuring journalists that the Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DMO) will continue to operate an open-door policy while balancing the need for operational security.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, gave the assurance when he received the newly elected executive members of the Defence Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DECAN), led by its President, Sunday Odita, during a courtesy visit to the Directorate in Abuja.
Onoja said the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained committed to providing accurate and factual information to the public and encouraged journalists to seek clarification whenever necessary.
According to Mathew Abi, Public Relations Officer, Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) press statement, Onoja said,
“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 security considerations.
“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 said.
The defence spokesperson 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.
“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 stated.
Onoja also 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.
Onoja 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.
DECAN President Odita Sunday 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 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 and other defence institutions.
The DECAN President 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 ended with both the Defence Headquarters and DECAN reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation in the promotion of credible information, national security and public trust.
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