By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Centre for Peace, Democracy and Development (CPDD) has raised concerns over viral reports misrepresenting comments of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on counterterrorism operations.
In a statement on Friday in Abuja, CPDD Convener Akin Daniels said the social media posts distorted the context of the Oluyede’s remarks, creating a misleading narrative about ongoing military engagements in insurgency-affected areas.
Daniels warned that at a time when troops were recording measurable successes against terrorist groups, misinformation could erode public trust and inadvertently embolden criminal elements seeking to exploit gaps in perception.
He emphasised that while the military had remained committed to international best practices and established rules of engagement, misinterpreting statements of the defence chief would promote misinforming the public about military operations.
He called on mainstream journalists, bloggers and social media influencers to verify facts before dissemination, particularly regarding sensitive security matters that could affect troop morale and public cooperation in counterterrorism efforts.
He further warned against sensational reporting, noting that it could serve the propaganda objectives of Boko Haram and ISWAP.
“While we acknowledge the media’s constitutional role in holding authorities accountable, we sue for responsible reporting that prioritises accuracy, national interest, and the safety of ongoing counterterrorism operations,” he said.NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deborah Coker
