Army urges journalists to ensure balanced reporting, highlight military sacrifices

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The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has called on defence journalists to reflect the sacrifices of frontline troops in their coverage and prioritize accurate, balanced reporting on national security issues.

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In a statement released by Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Iweha Ikedichi on X on Wednesday, Major General Babalola made the plea while hosting executive members of the Association of Defence Correspondents of Nigeria (ADCON) during a courtesy visit to 81 Division Headquarters in Lagos.

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Emphasising the significant role of media in shaping public perception and military morale, the GOC highlighted that unverified or sensationalized reporting can overshadow the progress made by security forces.

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“You are one of the most important sectors that we, the military, must partner with. Balancing reportage is very key. Bad news goes faster,” Major General Babalola stated, noting that negative reports often linger in the public consciousness long after security situations have been stabilized.

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He urged defence correspondents to ensure their reports highlight the everyday sacrifices of soldiers operating in challenging conditions, pointing out that national security has steadily improved across the country under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.

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To prevent the spread of misleading information, Babalola assured journalists that 81 Division Headquarters maintains an open-door policy for media practitioners seeking clarification on ongoing military operations and security incidents.

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He stressed that close collaboration between the press and the armed forces is vital to keeping the public accurately informed while supporting efforts “to ensure law-abiding citizens sleep with their two eyes closed.”

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Speaking during the visit, ADCON Chairman Philip Nwosu reaffirmed the association’s commitment to objective reporting, accountability, and national security considerations.

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Nwosu noted that defence journalism is a highly specialized field requiring a deep understanding of military procedures, operational context, and strategic sensitivities.

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“The balance between the public’s right to know must go hand in hand with legitimate operational sensitivities,” Nwosu stated, adding that ADCON remains dedicated to serving as a credible, professional platform for security coverage.

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The strategic engagement concluded with an exchange of operational views and presentation of souvenirs between 81 Division leadership and the visiting journalists.

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