By Chioma Vivian James
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, has called on journalists to embrace factual, balanced, and conflict-sensitive reporting as Nigeria battles terrorism, banditry, misinformation, and rising political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the press week lecture and awards ceremony organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Abuja, the defence chief warned that irresponsible reporting and the spread of unverified information could worsen insecurity and undermine democratic stability.
Represented by Samaila Uba, the CDS said the media occupies a strategic position in shaping public perception and national unity, stressing that accurate journalism can help deny criminal groups the publicity and influence they seek.
The event, themed, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Misinformation,” brought together journalists, public officials, and media stakeholders to examine the role of the press in safeguarding democratic values in an increasingly volatile information environment.
Oluyede described the media as a critical partner in Nigeria’s security architecture, noting that the military and the press share a common responsibility in protecting national stability.
“The media remains a critical pillar of our democracy and a vital instrument for national cohesion, public enlightenment, and accountability,” he said.
According to him, while the armed forces are tasked with securing the nation’s territorial and physical space, the media controls the information space — an area he said has become increasingly powerful in the digital age.
“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 nation. This partnership is not one of convenience but of necessity,” he stated.
The CDS said narratives promoted through traditional and digital media platforms can influence public morale, shape national discourse, and even affect the outcome of security operations.
“When reporting is factual, balanced, and conflict-sensitive, it denies oxygen to terrorism, banditry, and disinformation. It builds trust between the armed forces and the people we serve,” he added.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over the spread of fake news, manipulated content, and politically motivated propaganda on social media, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections begin to gather momentum.
Security analysts have repeatedly warned that misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric could heighten ethnic, religious, and political tensions if not properly managed by media professionals and online influencers.
Oluyede urged journalists to uphold the ethics of the profession by prioritising verification, accuracy, and national interest without compromising the truth.
“In this digital age where a single tweet can travel faster than a battalion, the ethical responsibility of the press has never been greater,” he said.
“I urge you to continue to verify before you publish, to prioritise national interests without sacrificing truth, and to give voice to the sacrifices of our troops who stand in harm’s way so that others may live in peace.”
The defence chief also paid tribute to members of the media who continue to work under difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions to keep citizens informed.
He commended journalists for their resilience, courage, and patriotism, noting that responsible journalism remains vital to strengthening democracy and promoting national unity.
Earlier, chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Grace Ike, said the press week provided an opportunity for journalists to reflect on the challenges confronting the profession and renew their commitment to ethical reporting.
“As we move closer to the 2027 general elections, the media must remain vigilant, responsible, and courageous in the face of misinformation, fake news, propaganda, and deliberate attempts to distort public opinion,” she said.
Ike stressed that journalists have a responsibility to defend truth, promote accountability, and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process at a time when false narratives and online manipulation are becoming more sophisticated.
She added that the survival of democracy depends largely on the ability of the media to remain independent, professional, and committed to public interest journalism.
The event also featured discussions on press freedom, ethical standards in political reporting, and the growing impact of digital media on national security and electoral integrity.
