By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has moved swiftly to shut down claims of media censorship after a report suggested that Channels Television was deliberately denied access to the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day symposium held at the National Defence College, Abuja.
In a firm rebuttal issued on Monday, January 12, 2026, the Ministry described the allegation as misleading and factually incorrect, insisting that no accredited media organisation was barred from the event.
According to the Ministry, a media advisory was circulated well ahead of the event, clearly stating that proceedings would begin promptly at 10:00 a.m, with all media personnel required to be seated by 9:30 a.m. to allow for accreditation, security screening and orderly access for dignitaries.
“The conditions were not arbitrary,” a senior Defence official explained. “They were standard protocol requirements for a high-security event involving top military and government leadership.”
The Ministry clarified that Channels TV’s cameraman, who arrived before the programme commenced, was duly accredited, granted access and filmed the proceedings without any interference.
However, a Channels TV reporter who arrived after the event had already started was denied entry not as a punitive measure, but because late admission was no longer permissible once dignitaries had been seated and mandatory security checks were underway.
Defence officials stressed that the decision was rooted strictly in security and protocol considerations, not editorial bias or media suppression.
“At that stage of the programme, allowing late entry would have disrupted proceedings and breached security procedures,” the Ministry stated.
The MoD expressed strong displeasure over what it described as inaccurate reporting, warning that such narratives risk eroding public trust and misrepresenting institutional processes.
“We strongly oppose and regret any report suggesting that the Ministry deliberately excluded Channels Television or any other accredited media organisation,” the statement read.
The Ministry reaffirmed its long-standing relationship with professional media houses, describing them as critical partners in transparency, accountability and public enlightenment.
In a pointed message to the media community, the Ministry urged news organisations to verify facts before broadcast, particularly when reporting on sensitive national security events.
“Accuracy is as important as access,” a Defence spokesperson noted.
As activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day continue, the Ministry confirmed that all invited media organisations remain welcome to cover subsequent events, provided they comply with published schedules and standard security protocols.
The Defence Ministry’s bottom line was unmistakable:
This was not a blackout. It was a case of timing, protocol and security, nothing more.
