Nigerian Army's Babalola Calls for Balanced Defence Reporting

Major General Adebayo Babalola, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, called on defence journalists to ensure balanced reporting that reflects the sacrifices of frontline troops. This statement was made during a courtesy visit to the 81 Division Headquarters in Lagos, where he hosted executive members of the Association of Defence Correspondents of Nigeria (ADCON).

Babalola stressed the media's significant role in shaping public perception and military morale, warning that sensationalized reporting could overshadow the progress made by security forces. He noted that negative reports tend to linger in public consciousness long after security situations have stabilized.

Babalola assured journalists of an open-door policy at the 81 Division Headquarters for clarifications on military operations. ADCON Chairman Philip Nwosu reaffirmed the association's commitment to objective reporting and the balance between public knowledge and operational sensitivities.

The engagement concluded with an exchange of operational views and the presentation of souvenirs.