From David Onuoja, Abuja
Major General Micheal Onoja, has said, Nigerian Army is ready for war against banditry and terrorism across the country aiming at flushing out the evil it have been perpetrating on the State.
Onoja stated this during the official taking over as the new Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), adding that, he will be transparent, work for the welfare of the troops and confront the dangerous spread of fake news head-on.
Addressing Journalists during his maiden media press briefing in Abuja, Maj Gen Onoja, who took over following the redeployment of Major General Olatokumbo 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 for professionalism and effective communication. I intend to build on that legacy as we confront the security challenges ahead”.
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He applaud journalists as the “heroes of democracy,” crediting them with strengthening accountability, shaping public awareness and empowering citizens through truthful reporting.
Onoja added that, investigative journalism and public-interest reporting had become critical pillars in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic system and national unity. He however, warned against what he called the growing threat of unethical journalism.
“A few bad actors fabricate stories, reject accountability and pursue virality over verification. This damages not only national security but the credibility of the entire profession”, he said.
He stressed that in an era of complex security threats, misinformation has become a weapon capable of endangering lives and destabilising communities.
The new DDMO, said, the Defence Headquarters needs the media now more than ever. “Together, we must ensure that truth defeats lies.”
Maj Gen Onoja further 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, and 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.
In a move aimed at ending speculation and conflicting narratives, Maj Gen Onoja announced that the DDMO 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.
