Strengthening the Frontline: Security Agencies and DECAN Forge New Pact for Responsible Defence Reporting
In a strategic move to sanitize the information landscape and bolster national stability, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), and the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) have officially reaffirmed their commitment to a robust, collaborative partnership. This renewed synergy is designed to harmonize the relationship between the military and the media, ensuring that the reporting of security operations remains accurate, ethical, and aligned with the nation’s broader interests. By prioritizing transparency and factual dissemination, the stakeholders aim to combat the rising tide of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news that threatens public trust in Nigeria’s security framework.
The formalization of this alliance took place during high-level courtesy visits by the DECAN leadership, headed by President Chief Odita Sunday, to the ONSA and the DHQ in Abuja. During these engagements with Dr. Chido Onumah, the Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Civil Society Liaison to the National Security Adviser, and Major General Samaila Uba, the Director of Defence Information, the association emphasized that defence journalism is an extension of national service. Odita posited that while troops secure the borders, journalists serve as the essential bridge between the military and the citizenry, providing the context and clarity necessary to build public confidence during challenging security crises.
Looking to the future, DECAN unveiled a proactive agenda to institutionalize its contributions to national security. Among the requests tabled by Chief Odita were calls for better access to operational briefings, specialized training facilities, and the integration of journalists into official engagements to ensure better field reporting. Furthermore, the association announced the upcoming launch of its quarterly publication, The Defence Correspondent, scheduled for October 2026. This journal is intended to serve as a detailed repository of the achievements and activities of the Armed Forces, bridging the gap between historical record and contemporary public perception.
Responding to these overtures, Dr. Chido Onumah lauded the media for its dedication and acknowledged the transformative power of informed reportage. He assured the DECAN leadership that their requests for enhanced access and capacity-building would be presented to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. Onumah emphasized that continuous professional development is vital, noting that when journalists are equipped with refined narrative tools and a deeper understanding of security complexities, they become more responsible partners in the national security architecture, effectively minimizing the pitfalls of speculative or sensationalist coverage.
Major General Samaila Uba echoed these sentiments at the Defence Headquarters, underscoring the critical necessity of “responsible journalism” in the digital age. He warned that the proliferation of manipulated social media content and the misuse of artificial intelligence demand unprecedented vigilance from the press. By urging media practitioners to verify sensitive security alerts through official military channels, Gen. Uba highlighted that the primary goal of this partnership is to deny adversaries the oxygen of false narratives. He stressed that a factual media environment is a strategic asset that prevents the erosion of military morale and public support.
Ultimately, the consensus among the participants was clear: the relationship between the military and the media must be one of mutual respect and high standards. Major General Uba concluded by reminding the delegation of the sensitivity surrounding classified information, urging journalists to exercise restraint to prevent compromising ongoing operations. With the Chief of Defence Staff commending the association for its professional steadfastness, the stage is set for a new chapter of transparency—a partnership where the pen works in tandem with the sword to ensure that national security communication is defined by integrity, national unity, and unwavering peace.