DHQ Pledges Transparency, Stronger Media Ties as Military Records Major Operational Gains

The newly appointed Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General M.E. Onoja, has pledged to reset military–media relations with a renewed commitment to transparency, collaboration and more frequent communication on the nation’s security operations.

Gen. Onoja made the pledge on Thursday in Abuja during his maiden press briefing, his first since assuming office on November 14, 2025, following the exit of Major General O.M. Bello.

Describing journalists as “heroes of democracy,” the DDMO praised the media’s role in strengthening national institutions through investigative reporting, public enlightenment, and accountability journalism.

“You uphold the principles of free speech and informed citizenship that form the bedrock of our democracy,” he said. “Your contributions have been instrumental in empowering our people.”

He also cautioned against lapses in professional standards, warning that unverified or sensational reports could erode public trust and hinder ongoing operations. He urged practitioners to “prioritize verification above virality,” especially at a time when insecurity poses significant threats.

Gen. Onoja disclosed that the Armed Forces, under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, are deploying robust, intelligence-driven strategies to counter emerging security challenges nationwide. Strengthened intelligence gathering, enhanced joint operations with other security agencies and deeper community engagement, he said, are already yielding results.

He also highlighted recent improvements in troop welfare—including increased Ration Cash Allowance and the provision of modern equipment—under the CDS’ “Soldiers First” agenda, describing them as essential to boosting morale and operational efficiency.

Reassuring the media of open access, Gen. Onoja said the Defence Headquarters remains committed to clarifying ongoing operations and addressing emerging security concerns. He also announced plans to introduce fact-checking mechanisms, more frequent press briefings, and joint capacity-building workshops to promote responsible security reporting.

The maiden briefing marked the beginning of what the Defence Headquarters calls a new era of structured engagement aimed at combating misinformation and strengthening public confidence in military operations.

According to the Defence Headquarters, more than 69 terrorists and their family members surrendered, several suspects were arrested, and 318 kidnapped victims were freed. Troops also foiled oil theft schemes valued at over ₦217.6 million, deactivated 16 illegal refining sites and recovered large quantities of crude oil and AGO.

Across the North East, troops dismantled Boko Haram/ISWAP cells in Borno and Adamawa; in the North West, they overran bandit enclaves in Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi; and in the North Central region, they responded to extremist attacks in Plateau, Kaduna, Kogi and the FCT. Coordinated air interdictions destroyed terrorists’ logistics hubs and camps, while multiple arms, ammunition and vehicles were recovered.

In the South-South and South-East, troops shut down illegal refineries, arrested oil thieves and executed precision strikes on criminal hideouts in Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, Rivers, Enugu and Ebonyi.

The DHQ further revealed that investigations are still ongoing in the withdrawal of troops before the attack of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State which resulted in the abduction of several students yet to be found as at the time of filing this report.

The Defence Headquarters lauded troops for their resilience and urged Nigerians to continue providing credible information, assuring that efforts are underway to rescue all remaining abducted students and restore peace nationwide.