DHQ and DECAN deepen partnership against false information and disinformation – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) and the Defense Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen collaboration to promote accurate defense reporting, counter disinformation and increase public confidence in the Nigeria Armed Forces.

According to a statement signed by DECAN President Odita Sunday and Secretary Musa Umar Bologi, the commitment was made on Friday when DECAN President, Odita Sunday, led members of the new leadership on a courtesy visit to the Director of Defense Information (DDI), Major General Samaila Uba, at the Defense Headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking during the visit, Odita described the relationship between Defense Headquarters and Defense Correspondents as a “strategic partnership” in promoting national security through responsible journalism.

“As 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 reporting,” he said.

The DECAN president praised the Directorate of Defense Information for granting journalists access to operational theaters across the country, stressing that such opportunities have improved the credibility and accuracy of reporting on military operations.

He called for more regular operational briefings to allow journalists to check facts and counter disinformation, misinformation and hostile propaganda.

Odita also revealed that the association is finalizing plans to launch its official magazine, The Defense Correspondent, which will document the activities and achievements of the Armed Forces and other defense institutions.

He appealed to the Defense Headquarters to support the initiative and also consider the establishment of a dedicated press center for Defense correspondents within one of its civil-military properties in Abuja.

“Such a center would provide a functional workspace and serve as a central point through which Defense correspondents could be easily reached, briefed and coordinated by military authorities whenever necessary,” he said.

In response, Maj. Gen. Uba congratulated the newly elected leaders of DECAN and described defense correspondents as strategic partners in promoting national security and fostering public confidence in the Armed Forces.

“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 defense and security matters,” he said.

The DDI noted that the rise of disinformation, social media manipulation and artificial intelligence has made responsible defense reporting more critical, urging journalists to always verify information through official military channels before publishing.

“Responsible journalism strengthens national security by denying adversaries the opportunity to exploit false narratives designed to create fear, erode public trust or damage the reputation of our Armed Forces,” he said.

Uba assured DECAN that the Defense Headquarters will continue to engage the media through press conferences, interviews, media tours and capacity building programmes, while maintaining operational security.

He welcomed the association’s proposal to establish The Defense Correspondent magazine, describing it as a timely initiative that could attract support from defense stakeholders and advertisers.

“It’s time to have one. Defense Headquarters can help facilitate engagement with relevant stakeholders to make it a reality,” he said.

On the proposal of the Defense Correspondents Press Center and the request for a dedicated operational bus, the DDI said that both proposals are worthwhile and will be considered.

He also urged journalists to avoid publishing classified military documents or sensitive operational information that could aid terrorist groups, stressing that some information must remain classified until it no longer poses security risks.

“Whenever classified information comes into your possession, please verify it with the relevant authorities before publication. Ultimately, safeguarding sensitive military information is in Nigeria’s collective interest,” Uba said.

The Director also expressed the Chief of Defense Staff’s appreciation to defense correspondents for their continuous support and professional coverage of military activities, calling for continued cooperation in promoting peace, national unity and security.