DHQ: Publishing Classified Military Information Aids Terrorists
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has cautioned media organisations and journalists against publishing classified military documents or sensitive operational information, warning that such disclosures could aid terrorist groups and undermine ongoing military operations.
The military high command said this on Friday in Abuja during a meeting between the Defence Headquarters and the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), where the military reaffirmed its commitment to transparency while stressing the need to protect information critical to national security.
Delivering the message of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Samaila Uba, said the Armed Forces recognised the indispensable role of the media in promoting national security, fostering public confidence and projecting the sacrifices and achievements of troops.
He, however, warned that publishing classified military information could inadvertently assist terrorists and other criminal elements.
“Whenever classified information comes into your possession, please verify it with the appropriate authorities before publication. Ultimately, safeguarding sensitive military information is in Nigeria’s collective interest,” Uba said.
He noted that while the Defence Headquarters remained committed to transparency, credibility and the timely dissemination of information, certain operational details must remain confidential until they no longer pose security risks.
According to him, the military will continue to engage the media through regular press briefings, press releases, interviews, media tours and other strategic communication platforms without compromising operational security.
The DDI also expressed concern over the growing threats posed by misinformation, disinformation, social media manipulation and artificial intelligence, describing responsible defence reporting as more critical than ever.
He urged journalists to verify defence-related information through official military channels before publication.
“Responsible journalism strengthens national security by denying adversaries the opportunity to exploit false narratives designed to create fear, erode public confidence or damage the reputation of our Armed Forces,” he added.
Read Also:
Uba commended defence correspondents for their professionalism and commitment to reporting defence and security issues in the national interest.
He noted that defence correspondents occupy a unique position within Nigeria’s media landscape by serving as a vital bridge between the Armed Forces and the public through factual, balanced and responsible reportage.
Conveying the message of the CDS, Uba said General Olufemi Oluyede acknowledged the support of DECAN in the military’s counter-terrorism campaign and urged members to sustain responsible and patriotic reporting.
“The CDS said I should tell you that he is aware of what DECAN is doing in supporting our counter-terrorism efforts and urges you to continue supporting the efforts of the Armed Forces,” he said.
Earlier, the President of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria, Mr. Odita Sunday, described the relationship between DECAN and the Defence Headquarters as a strategic partnership in advancing national security through responsible journalism.
He said while troops defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity on the battlefield, defence correspondents complement their efforts by informing, educating and shaping public understanding through accurate, balanced and responsible reporting.
Odita commended the Directorate of Defence Information for granting journalists access to operational theatres across the country, noting that such engagements had enhanced the credibility and accuracy of reports on military operations.
He appealed for more regular operational briefings to enable journalists verify facts and counter misinformation, disinformation and hostile propaganda.
The DECAN president also disclosed that the association was concluding plans to launch its official magazine, The Defence Correspondent, to document the activities and achievements of the Armed Forces and other defence institutions.
He further appealed to the Defence Headquarters to support the initiative and consider establishing a dedicated Defence Correspondents Press Centre within one of its civil-military estates in Abuja to improve coordination and interaction between the military and defence journalists.
The release was jointly signed by Odita Sunday, President, Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), and Musa Umar Bologi, General Secretary, Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN).
By PRNigeria
