The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) as part of efforts to strengthen strategic communication 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 the importance of credible, timely and accurate information in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, noting that effective strategic communication is vital for countering misinformation, building public trust and fostering national resilience.
She observed that while Nigerian troops continue to make significant sacrifices in defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the spread of false and misleading narratives often undermines their efforts.
According to her, success in tackling insecurity extends beyond battlefield victories and also depends on dominating the information space through responsible, accurate and patriotic reporting.
The Acting Director commended DECAN for its professionalism and consistent support in providing balanced and credible coverage of military operations.
She assured the association of the Directorate of Army Public Relations’ commitment to expanding media engagement through regular capacity-building programmes, closer collaboration and increased participation in its media workshops to improve the quality of national security reporting.
In his remarks, DECAN President, Mr. Odita Sunday, said the visit was aimed at consolidating the longstanding partnership between the association and the Nigerian Army in promoting factual reporting, combating misinformation and enhancing public understanding of the Armed Forces’ constitutional responsibilities.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining a strong military-media partnership in support of national security objectives, emphasizing that addressing the country’s security challenges requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach involving security agencies, the media and citizens working together to strengthen national unity, resilience and public confidence.
