By Atlantic Reports

The Permanent Secretary for General Services in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Ibrahim Kana, has urged defence correspondents to continue portraying Nigeria’s Armed Forces and security situation positively.

Kana made the appeal on Monday in Abuja during a goodwill message at the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) Conference 2026.

The conference’s theme was “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security”.

Kana argued that negative portrayals had contributed to Nigeria’s international image, attributing this to how people represented the country.

“Over the years, Nigeria has had a bad image, not because the country is bad, but because people choose to represent the nation in a very bad light,” he said.

He commended defence journalists for what he described as responsible reporting and urged them to maintain a positive approach.

“I want to urge you therefore as you have been doing to continue reporting the Armed Forces and the security situation in a very positive light,” he said.

Kana noted that published reports and social media content could serve as open-source intelligence, making their accuracy and use consequential beyond their immediate audiences.

His appeal raises a distinction between favourable coverage and evidence-based reporting. Public confidence requires accurate accounts of military achievements, continuing threats and the experiences of communities affected by insecurity.

Recognising personnel’s sacrifices is compatible with scrutinising operational claims and institutional performance.

Kana praised members of the Armed Forces for sacrificing family time, personal freedom and safety in defence of the country. He said working closely with the military had deepened his appreciation of their responsibilities.

He also recalled receiving a Defence Recognition Medal from the then Chief of Defence Staff when leaving the Ministry of Defence, saying he remained closely associated with the defence community.

In his remarks, DECAN President Odita Sunday said the conference theme reflected the need for cooperation in tackling terrorism and other security challenges.

“Intelligence gathering and the use of modern technology must work in sync to address these challenges,” he said.

“Our security agencies must work together and share timely information to be ahead of the enemies of the state.”

Sunday’s call centred on coordinated action and timely intelligence as tools for anticipating threats, rather than responding only after attacks occur.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.