The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has urged journalists to embrace responsible and conflict-sensitive reporting, stressing that ethical journalism is critical to Nigeria’s national security and democratic stability.
Oluyede made the call on Tuesday while speaking at the 2026 Press Week lecture and awards ceremony organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Abuja.
Represented by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the CDS said the role of the media has become even more sensitive in the digital era, where misinformation can spread rapidly and influence public perception and national security.
“The ethical responsibility of the press is greater than ever in a digital age where a single tweet could travel faster than a battalion,” he said.
He charged journalists to uphold professionalism and patriotism in their reportage by verifying information before publication and balancing truth with national interest.
“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 stated.
The defence chief described the theme of the press week lecture, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,” as timely, considering Nigeria’s evolving security and information landscape.
According to him, the media remains a vital pillar of democracy, 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.”
Oluyede noted that while the military secures the nation’s physical environment, the media plays a major role in shaping the information space, influencing public trust, troop morale, and even operational outcomes.
He warned that irresponsible reporting and the spread of disinformation could embolden criminal elements and undermine national unity.
The CDS therefore called on journalists to ensure that reports are factual, balanced, and sensitive to conflict dynamics in order to deny terrorists, bandits, and purveyors of fake news the platform to manipulate public opinion.
He added that stronger collaboration between the military and the media would help build public confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
