By Samuel Ike, Abuja

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, has called on defence correspondents to uphold professionalism by ensuring balanced, accurate and responsible reporting of security issues across the country.The GOC made the appeal while receiving members of the Association of Defence Correspondents of Nigeria (ADCON) during a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of 81 Division.Speaking during the visit, Major General Babalola described the media, particularly defence correspondents, as critical partners in the military’s efforts to promote national security and keep the public informed. He stressed the importance of verifying security related information with relevant military authorities before publication in order to ensure fairness and accuracy in reporting.“You are one of the most important stakeholders the military must continue to partner with. Balanced reporting is essential because negative news spreads quickly and often remains in the public consciousness even after situations have improved,” he said.The GOC also urged journalists to highlight the sacrifices and commitment of military personnel in safeguarding the nation. He noted that significant progress has been recorded in the country’s security landscape since Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu assumed command of the Nigerian Army.Major General Babalola assured the journalists that the Division’s headquarters would remain accessible to members of the media seeking clarification on military operations and activities. He added that such collaboration would help provide the public with accurate information about the efforts being made by troops to ensure the safety and security of law abiding citizens.Earlier, ADCON Chairman, Philip Nwosu, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professionalism, accuracy and accountability in defence reporting. He explained that ADCON was established as a credible platform bringing together journalists who specialise in reporting on defence and security institutions.According to him, defence journalism is a specialised field that requires a sound understanding of military operations, security procedures and national security considerations. He emphasised that the public’s right to know must be carefully balanced with legitimate operational and security sensitivities.The visit featured constructive discussions and exchanges on issues relating to defence reporting and national security. It concluded with the presentation of souvenirs and expressions of mutual commitment to strengthening cooperation between the military and the media.