Odita Sunday 
DHQ, Defence Correspondents Unite Against Misinformation, Renew Commitment To Transparent Communication
By Odita Sunday
Amid growing concerns over misinformation, disinformation and hostile propaganda, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparent engagement with the media, pledging sustained collaboration with defence correspondents to strengthen public confidence and support national security efforts.
The assurance was given by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, while receiving the newly elected executive members of the Defence Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DECAN), led by its President, Sunday Odita, during a courtesy visit to the Directorate in Abuja.
In a statement signed by Mathew Abi, Public Relations Officer, Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), Onoja said the Directorate of Defence Media Operations would continue to operate an open-door policy that promotes access to credible information while safeguarding operational security.
“I operate an open-door policy. If you have any doubt, you are free to ask,” he said.
He, however, explained that certain operational details could not always be disclosed immediately due to security implications.
“Sometimes information cannot be released immediately because of operational security, not because we are hiding it. Some information is sensitive and premature disclosure could have serious consequences,” he stated.
Describing media operations as a critical component of contemporary military campaigns, Onoja said strategic communication remains central to shaping public perception, countering false narratives and sustaining public trust.
“Media operations is one of the lines of operation that is very important whenever the military is conducting operations. That is why this office was created, and we are committed to partnering with the media to ensure that only accurate information is made available to the public,” he said.
The defence spokesperson expressed concern over the increasing spread of misinformation, disinformation and hostile propaganda, especially across social media platforms, and called for stronger cooperation between the military and journalists.
“We are very concerned about hostile propaganda. If we partner with the media, we will make greater progress in countering false narratives. The press is not our enemy; they are partners who help inform Nigerians about what the military is doing,” he added.
He further urged journalists to prioritise national security and social cohesion through responsible and balanced reporting.
“Whatever you publish should enhance national security and national cohesion. We should avoid divisive reportage that could worsen existing tensions in the country,” Onoja said.
He also conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for the contributions of defence correspondents toward balanced reportage, noting that military leadership remains receptive to ideas that would deepen cooperation with the media.
Speaking earlier, DECAN President Odita Sunday described the relationship between the Defence Headquarters and defence correspondents as a strategic partnership designed to strengthen national security and reinforce public trust in the Armed Forces.
“While 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 reportage,” Odita said.
He commended the Directorate for sustaining an inclusive media engagement policy, particularly the opportunity extended to more than 100 defence correspondents to visit operational theatres across the country earlier this year.
According to him, the engagements provided first-hand exposure to military activities and significantly improved the credibility, accuracy and depth of defence reporting.
Odita also called for more regular operational briefings, saying sustained interaction between military authorities and journalists would strengthen efforts to counter misinformation, disinformation and hostile propaganda.
He disclosed that DECAN was at the final stage of launching its official publication, The Defence Correspondent, aimed at documenting and projecting the activities of the Defence Headquarters, the Armed Forces and other defence institutions.
The DECAN President further appealed to the Defence Headquarters to establish a dedicated Defence Correspondents’ Press Centre to improve media coordination and provide a central operational hub for journalists covering the defence sector.
“Such a facility will strengthen civil-military relations, improve media coordination and provide a befitting operational workspace for defence correspondents,” he said.
The visit concluded with both the Defence Headquarters and DECAN reaffirming their commitment to strengthening collaboration in promoting credible information, national security and public trust.
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