Defence Chief Calls for Ethical Media Practices to Safeguard Democracy and National Security”

Defence Chief Calls for Ethical Media Practices to Safeguard Democracy and National Security

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede urges “responsible journalism, linking media reporting to National Security”

The remarks by the CDS were delivered in Abuja, Nigeria, during the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Press Week Lecture and Awards Ceremony 2026.

He was represented at the occasion by Brigadier-General Samaila Uba, the Director of Defence Information.

The event’s theme, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,” provided the backdrop for his call on journalists to embrace responsible and ethical reporting, linking media practice directly to national security.

The CDS in his goodwill message emphasized the critical role of journalism in safeguarding national security, urging media practitioners to embrace responsibility in their reporting.

He highlighted that the way information is disseminated can either strengthen or weaken the stability of the nation.

According to the CDS, irresponsible reporting has the potential to inflame tensions, spread misinformation, and undermine public trust, while responsible journalism can foster unity, resilience, and informed citizenship.

He stressed that journalists are not merely conveyors of news but custodians of narratives that shape public perception and national consciousness. 

In this regard, the CDS called on the media to balance the public’s right to know with the imperative of protecting sensitive information that could compromise security operations or national interests. He underscored that sensationalism and unverified reports often serve as tools for destabilization, inadvertently aiding adversaries.

The CDS urged collaboration between the military and the media, advocating for mutual understanding and respect for each other’s roles.

By working together, he argued, both institutions can ensure that the public remains well-informed without jeopardizing national security.

The CDS, on a final note, reiterated that journalism is a powerful instrument that must be wielded with care. He appealed to media professionals to uphold ethical standards, verify facts before publication, and remain conscious of the national interest in their reporting. This, he maintained, is not only a duty to the profession but also a patriotic responsibility to the nation.