The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has called on journalists to practice responsible reporting, saying it plays a direct role in national security.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Press Week 2026 lecture and awards, Oluyede said the ethical responsibility of the press is greater than ever in a digital age where “a single tweet could travel faster than a battalion.”
Represented by the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Samaila Uba, he urged journalists to “verify before you publish, prioritise national interest without sacrificing the truth, and give voice to the sacrifices of our troops who stand in harm’s way so that others may live in peace.”
Oluyede said the press week theme, _“2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,”_ was timely given Nigeria’s current security and information environment.
He described the media as a critical pillar of democracy and a tool for national cohesion, public enlightenment, and accountability.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to safeguarding lives and property of all citizens, in line with our constitutional mandate,” he said. “In pursuit of this duty across various theatres of operation, we have come to recognise, more than ever, that the press is a partner to the military in the collective effort to build a safe, stable and prosperous Nigeria.”
The CDS said while the military secures physical space, the media shapes the information space, and narratives influence public perception, troop morale, and even the outcome of operations.
He asked journalists to ensure reporting is factual, balanced, and conflict-sensitive to deny oxygen to terrorism, banditry, and disinformation, and to strengthen trust between the armed forces and Nigerians.
