Army urges journalists to ensure balanced reporting, highlight military sacrifices

Major General Adebayo Babalola, the General Officer Commanding of the Nigerian Army's 81 Division, has urged defense journalists to maintain a balanced perspective in their coverage of military operations and security issues. Speaking at a meeting with the Association of Defence Correspondents of Nigeria (ADCON) in Lagos, Babalola emphasized the crucial role media plays in shaping public perception and morale among the armed forces.

He warned that inaccurate or sensationalized reporting can overshadow the progress made by security forces, with negative news often lingering in the public consciousness even after stability has been achieved. Babalola encouraged journalists to highlight the daily sacrifices made by soldiers operating in challenging conditions, noting that national security has improved under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.

He assured journalists that 81 Division Headquarters maintains an open-door policy for media seeking clarification on ongoing operations. ADCON Chairman Philip Nwosu reiterated the association's commitment to objective reporting and national security, stressing that defence journalism requires a deep understanding of military procedures and strategic sensitivities.