The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has urged journalists to verify information and avoid publishing sensitive operational details that could undermine national security.
Musa, a retired general, made the call in Abuja at an event organised by the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), where he stressed the need for closer cooperation between the media and security agencies.
Represented by Air Commodore Steven Ogunmodede, the minister said responsible reporting required journalists to balance the public’s right to information with legitimate security concerns.
He warned against the publication of unverified reports and sensitive details, urging media organisations to work with security agencies to ensure accurate coverage of national security issues.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, also cautioned against the growing use of artificial intelligence to spread misinformation about military operations.
Oluyede, represented by Major General Uba Samaila, identified AI-generated videos, manipulated images, cloned voices and false operational claims as tools that could mislead the public and distort perceptions of security operations.
He urged Nigerians and the media to exercise caution when consuming and sharing such content.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Ahmed Lawal, called for priority funding for the Armed Forces and other security agencies, arguing that timely access to resources was critical to effective operations.
Lawal said security agencies needed adequate and predictable funding to carry out their responsibilities and respond effectively to emerging threats.
The Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ibrahim Kana, urged Nigerians to use social media to highlight the country’s achievements and counter negative narratives.
Kana said responsible online engagement could help promote a balanced understanding of Nigeria, rather than amplify misleading accounts.
DECAN President, Odita Sunday, called on defence correspondents to uphold professional standards, stressing the importance of accuracy and respect for operational sensitivities in security reporting.
He also urged journalists to improve their understanding of emerging technologies and cybersecurity as misinformation becomes more sophisticated.
The speakers emphasised the need for stronger cooperation among the media, government and security institutions to improve public communication while protecting national security.
Discussion0