DHQ Cautions Media on Sensitive Security Reports
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DHQ Cautions Media on Sensitive Security Reports
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Defence Headquarters, DHQ has urged journalists covering defence and security matters to refrain from publishing classified military documents or sensitive operational information, warning that such disclosures could jeopardise ongoing operations and strengthen terrorist groups.
The caution was given on Friday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General SM Uba, during a meeting with members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria, DECAN, in Abuja.
Uba said although the Armed Forces valued the media’s role in promoting national security and informing Nigerians about military operations, certain information must remain confidential until it no longer poses a threat to national security.
He warned journalists against publishing leaked military documents without first verifying them with the appropriate authorities.
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“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 defence spokesman noted that the military remained committed to transparency and would continue to provide timely information through official communication channels, including press briefings, press releases, interviews and media tours, while ensuring operational security was not compromised.
According to him, the growing menace of misinformation, disinformation, social media manipulation and artificial intelligence has made responsible defence reporting increasingly important.
He stressed that accurate and balanced reporting would deny criminal elements the opportunity to exploit false narratives capable of creating fear, weakening public confidence and undermining the reputation of the Armed Forces.
Uba commended members of the DECAN for what he described as their professionalism and commitment to reporting defence and security issues in the national interest.
He said, “Defence correspondents occupy a unique position within the Nigerian media landscape. 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 defence and security matters.”
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Uba said the military leadership appreciated the support of defence correspondents in the fight against terrorism and urged them 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 added.
Earlier, the President of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria, DECAN, Odita Sunday, described the relationship between the association and the DHQ as a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening national security through credible journalism.
He said defence correspondents had continued to complement the efforts of troops by providing accurate and balanced reports that promote public understanding of military operations.
Odita also praised the Directorate of Defence Information for granting journalists access to operational theatres across the country, saying the initiative had improved the credibility of reports on military activities.
He appealed to the Defence Headquarters to institutionalise regular operational briefings to enable journalists to verify facts and counter misinformation and hostile propaganda effectively.
The DECAN president further disclosed that the association was set to launch its official magazine, The Defence Correspondent, to showcase the activities and achievements of the Armed Forces and other defence institutions.
He also appealed to the military high command to establish a Defence Correspondents Press Centre within one of its civil-military estates in Abuja to provide journalists covering the defence beat with a dedicated workspace and improve coordination between the media and military authorities.
