Former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abdulwaheed Odusile, has urged journalists to exercise caution in reporting security issues, emphasising that national security and the country’s survival must remain paramount.
Odusile made the call while addressing participants at a media-security engagement in Abuja.
He said that while journalists had a responsibility to inform the public, they must also be mindful of the implications of sensitive information on national security and public safety.
According to him, the continued existence and stability of Nigeria should be a collective concern for all citizens, including media practitioners.
The former NUJ president said that some information obtained by journalists, particularly during security operations, should be handled professionally to avoid jeopardising ongoing efforts or exposing national vulnerabilities.
Odusile recalled an experience during an official assignment involving top government and security officials, where journalists witnessed an incident that could have generated sensational headlines.
He said that upon returning from the assignment, a senior editor advised him that not everything observed during sensitive operations should be reported without considering the broader national interest.
“The safety of the Commander-in-Chief and the security of the nation are issues that require careful judgment from journalists.
“While accuracy and truth remain the foundation of journalism, reporters must understand the implications of certain information before making it public,” he said.
Odusile emphasised the importance of responsible journalism, especially in security reporting, where careless disclosures could undermine efforts to tackle insecurity.
He urged journalists to verify information thoroughly and avoid reports capable of causing panic, weakening security operations or threatening national unity.
He also called for stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies to ensure that information disseminated to the public contributes to peace, stability and national development.
He maintained that journalists remained critical stakeholders in nation-building and should continue to uphold professionalism, ethics and patriotism in the discharge of their duties.
