By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
Nigeria’s military has launched a new front in its war against insecurity and misinformation as Major General M.E. Onoja formally assumed office as Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), owing to deepen transparency, strengthen troop welfare and confront the dangerous spread of fake news head-on.
At his maiden media press briefing in Abuja, Maj Gen Onoja, who took over following the redeployment of Major General O.M. Bello on November 14, struck a confident and forceful tone, signalling what he described as a new era of cooperation between the Armed Forces and the Nigerian press.
“Maj Gen Bello laid a solid foundation of professionalism and effective communication,” Onoja said. “I intend to build on that legacy as we confront the security challenges ahead.”
In a rare blend of applause and caution, the new Defence Media Director praised journalists as the “heroes of democracy,” crediting them with strengthening accountability, shaping public awareness and empowering citizens through truthful reporting.
He said investigative journalism and public-interest reporting had become critical pillars in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic system and national unity.
But Onoja also issued a sharp warning against what he called the growing threat of unethical journalism.
“A few bad actors fabricate stories, reject accountability and pursue virality over verification,” he warned. “This damages not only national security but the credibility of the entire profession.”
He stressed that in an era of complex security threats, misinformation has become a weapon capable of endangering lives and destabilising communities.
“The Defence Headquarters needs the media now more than ever. Together, we must ensure that truth defeats lies,” he declared.
Maj Gen Onoja revealed that under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, the Armed Forces have intensified nationwide security operations aimed at crushing insurgency, banditry and other violent threats.
According to him, the military is now deploying:
Deeper intelligence gathering
Stronger joint operations across security agencies
Grassroots community engagement for real-time local intelligence
“These strategies are designed to sustain pressure on criminal elements while restoring lasting peace in troubled regions,” he said.
In a major morale-boosting announcement, Onoja confirmed that the CDS is driving a bold “Soldiers First” agenda, placing troop welfare at the centre of military effectiveness.
He disclosed that recent upgrades include:
An increase in Ration Cash Allowance
Deployment of modern combat equipment
Improved logistics and inter-agency collaboration
He said boosted welfare is no longer optional but a core strategy for battlefield success.
“A motivated soldier is a lethal soldier against terror,” he said bluntly.
In a move aimed at ending speculation and conflicting narratives, Maj Gen Onoja announced that the Defence Media Operations Department is now fully open for direct engagements with journalists nationwide.
“My doors and those of my senior officers are open at all times. If there is an issue, come to us for clarification before publishing,” he urged.
He promised regular briefings, fact-checking mechanisms and collaborative workshops to enhance responsible reporting on sensitive security matters.
As he concluded, Maj Gen Onoja described national security as a shared responsibility, urging journalists to see themselves not just as observers but as partners in safeguarding peace.
“The battles ahead will test our resolve. But with discipline, professionalism and truthful reporting, Nigeria will prevail,” he said.
With that declaration, the Defence Headquarters signalled not just a change in leadership but a harder, more transparent information war to match the bullets on the battlefield.
