DHQ, DECAN Renew Partnership to Combat Fake News, Strengthen Defence Reporting

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration to promote accurate defence reporting, combat misinformation and disinformation, and strengthen public confidence in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The renewed commitment was made on Friday when the newly elected executives of DECAN, led by its President, Odita Sunday, paid a courtesy visit to the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Samaila Uba, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement signed by DECAN President, Odita Sunday, and General Secretary, Musa Umar Bologi, both parties underscored the importance of a strong partnership between the military and the media in advancing national security through responsible journalism.

Speaking during the visit, Odita described the relationship between Defence Headquarters and defence correspondents as a strategic partnership that contributes to national security by ensuring the public receives factual, balanced and credible information on military activities.

He noted that while troops defend the nation's territorial integrity on the battlefield, defence correspondents complement their efforts by informing, educating and shaping public understanding through responsible reportage.

Odita commended the Directorate of Defence Information for granting journalists access to operational theatres across the country, saying the initiative has improved the credibility and accuracy of reports on military operations.

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

The DECAN president also disclosed that the association was concluding arrangements to launch its official publication, The Defence Correspondent, to document the activities, achievements and milestones of the Armed Forces and other defence institutions.

He appealed to the Defence Headquarters to support the initiative and also 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 and serve as a central point for coordinating engagements between defence correspondents and military authorities.

Responding, Major General Uba congratulated the newly elected DECAN executives and described defence correspondents as strategic partners in promoting national security and building public confidence in the Armed Forces.

He said journalists covering defence issues play a vital role by serving as a bridge between the military and the public through factual, balanced and responsible reporting.

The Director of Defence Information warned that the growing threat of misinformation, disinformation, social media manipulation and the misuse of artificial intelligence has made responsible defence journalism more important than ever.

He urged journalists to verify defence-related information through official military channels before publication, stressing that responsible journalism helps prevent the spread of false narratives capable of creating fear, undermining public confidence and damaging the reputation of the Armed Forces.

Uba also cautioned against publishing classified military documents or sensitive operational information that could aid terrorist groups or compromise ongoing operations.

He advised journalists to always seek clarification from the appropriate military authorities before publishing sensitive information, noting that protecting operational details remains in the national interest.

The DDI assured DECAN that the Defence Headquarters would continue to strengthen its engagement with the media through regular press briefings, interviews, media tours and capacity-building programmes while maintaining operational security.

He welcomed the association's plan to establish The Defence Correspondent magazine, describing it as a timely initiative capable of attracting support from defence stakeholders and advertisers.

Uba also said the proposals for a Defence Correspondents Press Centre and a dedicated operational bus for journalists would receive due consideration.

He further conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, to defence correspondents for their professional coverage of military activities and called for sustained collaboration in promoting peace, national unity and security.