DECAN Seeks Expanded Media Embedding In Naval Operations & Exercises 

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE 

The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria, DECAN, has called for stronger institutional collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and urged greater opportunities for journalists to be embedded in naval operations, exercises, and strategic maritime engagements to promote accurate, professional, and informed security reporting.

The appeal was made on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the newly elected DECAN executive members to the Directorate of Naval Information in Abuja.

Leading the delegation, DECAN President, Odita Sunday, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the long-standing relationship between defence correspondents and the Nigerian Navy while deepening cooperation on national security communication. He noted that professional reporting of military activities helps build public trust and reduces the spread of misinformation.

Odita said defence correspondents play a vital role in bridging the information gap between the military and the public. He observed that many of the Navy’s operational achievements often receive limited coverage because journalists have insufficient access to military activities and operational spaces. He added that professional media engagement allows reporters to present balanced stories that reflect both operational successes and the sacrifices of personnel.

He urged the Navy to sustain and expand journalist-embedding programmes, particularly for Abuja-based correspondents. He stressed that such opportunities provide first-hand insight into the realities and challenges faced by military personnel during operations, and help journalists develop the professional competence needed to interpret complex security issues for public understanding.

Drawing from personal experience, he recalled participating in several naval and multinational exercises, including Exercise Farauta, Exercise Prosperity in Benin Republic, Obangame Express, and naval vessel reception missions.

“These exposures have helped me appreciate the military more because I have seen what they go through. It becomes easier to report accurately and responsibly when you understand the realities on the ground. Professional journalism demands context, and embedding gives us that context,” he said.

Responding, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, congratulated the newly elected DECAN executives and described defence correspondents as indispensable partners in shaping public understanding of military operations. He commended their professionalism and ethical conduct over the years.

Folorunsho reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a productive working relationship with the media. He noted that the Navy had previously embedded journalists in maritime exercises and multinational operations, and acknowledged concerns about broader participation across media houses.

He assured the delegation that efforts would be made to improve inclusiveness, especially as the Navy prepares for upcoming regional maritime engagements involving several West African countries. He added that professional media coverage is critical to projecting Nigeria’s maritime security efforts internationally.

Folorunsho also disclosed plans to strengthen informal engagement with journalists through periodic interactions. He encouraged reporters to seek clarification whenever concerns arise to ensure reporting remains factual and professional.