Maj. Gen. Babalola Adebayo Urges Defence Correspondents to Partner with Military for Accurate Coverage

Photo Credit: GOC — Maj. Gen. Babalola Adebayo

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division, Maj. Gen. Babalola Adebayo, has called on defence correspondents to deepen collaboration with the military in order to support accurate and balanced reporting of security operations.

He made the appeal during a courtesy visit by members of the Association of Defence Correspondents of Nigeria (ADCON) to the 81 Division headquarters. Adebayo described the media as one of the military’s most important partners and stressed that journalists should seek clarification from the Army before publishing information that risks being inaccurate or misleading.

“You are one of the most important sectors that we, the military, must partner with,” Adebayo told the visitors. “Balancing reportage is very key. Bad news goes faster.”

He observed that negative security stories often gain more attention and can continue circulating even after the underlying situation has improved. He therefore urged journalists to take the broader context into account when covering security developments.

Adebayo invited defence correspondents to contact the division directly whenever they need clarification on military activities. “Our doors are open. Rather than carrying the wrong narrative, you can anytime ask us… Then we will give you our own side of the story. Then you can now balance it for us,” he said.

The GOC added that the division would make senior and experienced officers available for engagement with the press, noting that regular interaction would improve mutual understanding. He also stated that the security situation in the division’s area of responsibility had improved “tremendously” over the past three to four months and asked the media to reflect positive developments while continuing to hold the military accountable.

Adebayo further emphasised the need to report military operations with an appreciation of the difficult conditions under which many troops serve across the country in the interest of national security. “We should look at the bigger picture,” he said, reminding journalists that members of the armed forces are Nigerians motivated by patriotism and a duty to protect citizens.

Earlier in the meeting, ADCON Chairman Philip Nwosu outlined the purpose of the visit and the association’s work. He reaffirmed that defence correspondents remain committed to accurate and balanced coverage while fulfilling their duty to hold public authorities accountable for both actions and inactions. Nwosu said stronger engagement between the military and the media would foster better understanding and raise the quality of national security reporting.

Senior officers of 81 Division were present at the meeting.