DHQ Charges Media Against Publishing Classified Military Information

The warning was conveyed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Sumaila Uba, during a meeting with members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) in Abuja. 

In a statement issued by DECAN President, Odita Sunday, and General Secretary, Musa Umar Bologi, said the military stressed that while transparency remains important, certain operational information must remain confidential until it no longer poses a threat to national security.

Uba acknowledged the vital role of the media in promoting national security, building public confidence and highlighting the sacrifices and achievements of the Armed Forces. However, he warned that the publication of classified military information could inadvertently benefit terrorists and other criminal groups.

He urged journalists to verify any classified or sensitive information that comes into their possession with the appropriate military authorities before publication.

"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 military spokesperson reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to transparency, credibility and the timely dissemination of information within the limits of operational security.

According to him, although some operational details cannot be disclosed for security reasons, the military will continue to engage the media through regular press briefings, press releases, interviews, media tours and other strategic communication platforms.

Uba also expressed concern over the growing threat posed by misinformation, disinformation, social media manipulation and the misuse of artificial intelligence, describing responsible defence reporting as more important than ever.

He urged journalists covering defence and security issues to verify information through official military channels before publication, noting that responsible journalism helps deny adversaries the opportunity to exploit false narratives capable of creating fear, undermining public confidence or damaging the reputation of the Armed Forces.

The Director of Defence Information commended defence correspondents for their professionalism and commitment to reporting military activities in the national interest.

He described defence correspondents as a vital bridge between the Armed Forces and the Nigerian public through factual, balanced and responsible reporting on defence and security matters.

Delivering the message of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, Uba said the CDS appreciated the support of DECAN in the military's counter terrorism efforts and urged members of the association to sustain responsible and patriotic reportage.

"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," he stated.

Earlier, DECAN President Odita Sunday described the relationship between the association and the Defence Headquarters as a strategic partnership aimed at advancing national security through responsible journalism.

He said while troops defend the country's territorial integrity on the battlefield, defence correspondents complement those efforts by informing, educating and shaping public understanding through accurate and balanced reporting.

Odita commended the Directorate of Defence Information for granting journalists access to operational theatres across the country, noting that such opportunities have significantly enhanced the credibility and accuracy of reports on military operations.

He appealed for more regular operational briefings to enable journalists verify facts and effectively counter misinformation, disinformation and hostile propaganda.

The DECAN president also disclosed that the association was finalising plans to launch its official magazine, The Defence Correspondent, to document the activities and achievements of the Armed Forces and other defence institutions.

He further appealed to 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 to serve as a functional workspace and coordination hub for accredited defence journalists.