The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) as part of efforts to enhance strategic communication, combat misinformation and support national security.
The commitment was reiterated on Wednesday at the Army Headquarters in Abuja when the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Onyechi Appolonia Anele, received the President of DECAN, Mr. Odita Sunday, and members of the association’s executive committee.
Speaking during the meeting, Colonel Anele stressed that credible, timely and accurate information remains critical to national security, noting that effective strategic communication is essential for countering false narratives, building public trust and fostering the collective resolve needed to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
She observed that while Nigerian Army troops continue to make significant sacrifices in defending the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the spread of misinformation and misleading narratives often undermines their efforts.
According to her, success in tackling insecurity extends beyond military operations on the battlefield and also depends on dominating the information space through accurate, responsible and patriotic journalism.
The Army spokesperson commended DECAN for its professionalism and continued support in projecting balanced and credible reports of military operations. She assured the association of the Directorate of Army Public Relations’ commitment to deepening media engagement through regular capacity-building programmes, stronger collaboration and expanded participation in its annual media workshop to improve the quality of security reporting.
Earlier, DECAN President, Mr. Odita Sunday, said the visit was aimed at consolidating the long-standing partnership between the association and the Nigerian Army in promoting factual reporting, countering misinformation and enhancing public understanding of the constitutional responsibilities of the Armed Forces.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to responsible journalism and sustained collaboration with the military in advancing national security objectives.
Both parties agreed to strengthen the military-media partnership, stressing that addressing Nigeria’s security challenges requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach involving security agencies, the media and citizens working together to promote national unity, resilience and public confidence.
