Abuja, Nigeria — The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has called on journalists to embrace responsible and ethical reporting, stressing that media practice has a direct impact on national security.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Press Week 2026 lecture and awards, Oluyede said the role of the media has become even more critical in the digital age, where information spreads rapidly and widely.
Represented by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Samaila Uba, the CDS cautioned that “a single tweet could travel faster than a battalion,” underscoring the urgency for accuracy and professionalism in reporting.
He urged journalists to uphold the principles of verification and balance, advising them 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 described the theme of the press week, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,” as timely, given the country’s current security and information challenges.
According to him, the media remains a vital pillar of democracy, serving as a tool for national cohesion, public enlightenment, and accountability. He noted that while the Armed Forces of Nigeria are tasked with securing the physical environment, the media plays a crucial role in shaping the information space.
“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.”
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The CDS further emphasised that media narratives influence public perception, troop morale, and even the outcome of military operations. He therefore called on journalists to adopt conflict-sensitive reporting that is factual and balanced.
He warned that irresponsible reporting could inadvertently give momentum to terrorism, banditry, and disinformation, while responsible journalism would help strengthen public trust and national unity.
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