The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has called on journalists and media organisations to engage in ethical journalism, saying responsible repoting can deprive terrorists and bandits of the “oxygen” they rely on.
Oluyede made the remarks through the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, during the 2026 Press Week lecture and awards ceremony organised by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Abuja.
Key Highlights:
- Olufemi Oluyede urged journalists to adopt ethical reporting to help combat terrorism and misinformation.
- He said responsible journalism denies terrorists and bandits the “oxygen” of publicity they rely on.
- Oluyede emphasized the shared role of the military and media in protecting national security and democracy.
- He warned that misinformation spreads rapidly in the digital age and can influence public perception and security outcomes.
- The Nigeria Union of Journalists also called for fact-checking and responsible reporting ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on the theme:“2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Misinformation” the defence chief described the media as a vital pillar of democracy and national cohesion.
According to him, the military and the media share a necessary partnership in protecting the country.
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“While the military secures the physical space, the media shapes the information space.
“The narratives you project influence public perception, troop morale, and even the strategic outcomes of military operations,” he said.
Oluyede stressed that factual and conflict-sensitive reporting helps combat terrorism, banditry, and disinformation while strengthening trust between the military and citizens.
He also warned journalists about the dangers of misinformation in the digital age.
“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 stated.
The defence chief urged media practitioners to verify information before publication, prioritise national interest without compromising truth, and highlight the sacrifices made by Nigerian troops in various conflict zones.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the FCT NUJ, Grace Ike said that the Press Week was an opportunity for journalists to reflect on ethical journalism ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She warned against misinformation, fake news, and propaganda, stressing that the media has a responsibility to defend truth, accountability, and democratic integrity in Nigeria.
