The Nigerian Army has called for stronger collaboration with defence journalists to promote accurate and balanced reporting of military operations and security developments.
The General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Major General Babalola Adebayo, made the call when members of the Association of Defence Correspondents of Nigeria (ADCON) paid a courtesy visit to the division’s headquarters in Lagos.
Babalola said the media remained an important partner to the military, stressing the need for journalists to verify information and seek clarification from the appropriate authorities before publishing reports on security incidents.
“You are one of the most important sectors that we, the military, must partner with. Balancing reportage is very key. Bad news goes faster,” he said.
The GOC said reports on security incidents could continue to shape public perception even after circumstances had changed, urging journalists to consider the broader context when covering military operations.
He said journalists should approach the division whenever they required clarification about ongoing operations or other activities, assuring them that the Army’s doors remained open to the media.
According to him, the division would make senior and experienced officers available to engage with journalists to improve communication and reduce misinformation.
Babalola also said the security situation had improved in the preceding three to four months, urging the media to reflect developments in the security environment while continuing to scrutinise the military and report its challenges and shortcomings where necessary.
He further called on journalists to recognise the difficult conditions under which troops operate, noting that soldiers deployed across the country often work in challenging environments as part of their national service.
Earlier, ADCON Chairman Philip Nwosu said the association was committed to accurate, balanced and professional reporting of defence and security matters.
Nwosu said defence journalism required an understanding of military operations, security procedures and legitimate operational sensitivities, while maintaining the public’s right to information.
He stressed that stronger engagement between the military and the media would help reduce misinformation and improve access to credible information without compromising sensitive operational details.
Nwosu also reaffirmed ADCON’s commitment to holding public authorities accountable while maintaining professional standards in its coverage of national security.
The meeting ended with discussions on strengthening communication between 81 Division and defence correspondents, followed by the exchange of souvenirs.
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