The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has appealed to journalists to embrace factual, balanced and conflict-sensitive reporting, warning that irresponsible narratives and misinformation could embolden terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups.
The defence chief said credible journalism remains a powerful tool in safeguarding national security and preserving democracy, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Represented by the director of Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters, Samaila Uba, the CDS spoke on Tuesday at the Press Week Lecture and Awards Ceremony organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council in Abuja.
Addressing journalists at the event themed, “2027 Elections: Defending Democracy in the Era of Misinformation,” the defence chief described the media as a critical pillar of democracy and an indispensable partner in the fight against insecurity.
“The media remains a critical pillar of our democracy and a vital instrument for national cohesion, public enlightenment and accountability,” he said.
He stressed that while the Armed Forces secure the nation physically, the media plays a decisive role in shaping the information space and influencing public perception.
“While the military secures the physical space, the media shapes the information space. The narratives you project influence public perception, troop morale and even the strategic outcomes of military operations,” he stated.
According to him, factual and conflict-sensitive journalism can weaken the influence of violent groups by denying them publicity and propaganda opportunities.
“When reporting is factual, balanced and conflict-sensitive, it denies oxygen to terrorism, banditry and disinformation. It also builds trust between the armed forces and the people we serve,” he added.
The CDS urged journalists to uphold ethical standards in an era dominated by social media and instant communication, warning that false information could spread rapidly and undermine national stability.
“In this digital age where a single tweet can travel faster than a battalion, the ethical responsibility of the press has never been greater,” he said.
He challenged media practitioners to verify information before publication, prioritise national interest without compromising truth, and continue highlighting the sacrifices made by security personnel across various theatres of operation.
The defence chief also commended journalists for their resilience and patriotism, acknowledging the difficult conditions under which many media professionals operate.
“May your pens continue to defend the truth, and may your work strengthen the unity of our great nation,” he said.
Earlier, the chairperson of NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, said the annual press week provided journalists with an opportunity to reflect on the state of the profession and recommit themselves to ethical journalism.
She warned that misinformation, fake news and propaganda posed growing threats to Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 elections.
“As we move closer to the 2027 general elections, the media must remain vigilant, responsible and courageous in the face of misinformation, fake news, propaganda and deliberate attempts to distort public opinion,” Ike said.
