DECAN Seeks Expanded Access to Naval Operations and Exercises

The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria, DECAN, has called on the Nigerian Navy to expand opportunities for journalists to be embedded in naval operations and exercises, saying greater media access would enhance accurate and responsible reporting of maritime security activities. The appeal was made on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the newly elected executives of DECAN to the Directorate of Naval Information in Abuja.

Speaking during the visit, President of DECAN, Odita Sunday, said the association was seeking deeper institutional collaboration with the Navy to strengthen national security communication and improve public understanding of the service's operations. According to him, defence correspondents serve as a critical link between the military and the public, but many of the Navy's operational successes often go underreported due to limited access to military activities.

Defence correspondents serve as a critical link between the military and the public, but many of the Navy's operational successes often go underreported due to limited access to military activities.

— Odita Sunday, President, Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria

First-Hand Experience Strengthens Reporting Accuracy and Context

Odita urged the Navy to sustain and broaden its journalist-embedding programmes, particularly for correspondents based in Abuja, noting that direct participation in operations and exercises enables reporters to gain first-hand knowledge of the realities faced by military personnel. He said such exposure helps journalists report military activities with greater accuracy, context and professionalism. Drawing from personal experience, the DECAN president recalled participating in several naval and multinational exercises, including Exercise Farauta, Exercise Prosperity in the Republic of Benin, Obangame Express and naval vessel reception missions.

These exposures have helped me appreciate the military more because I have seen what they go through. It becomes easier to report accurately and responsibly when you understand the realities on the ground.

— Odita Sunday, President, DECAN

He noted that such engagements provided valuable insight into the complexities of military operations and strengthened the capacity of defence correspondents to deliver balanced and informed reports.

Naval Information Directorate Pledges Improved Collaboration

Responding, the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, congratulated the newly elected DECAN executives and described defence correspondents as indispensable partners in shaping public perception and understanding of military operations. He commended the professionalism of defence journalists and reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy's commitment to sustaining a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with the media.

Folorunsho acknowledged concerns raised over wider participation in embedding opportunities and noted that the Navy had previously included journalists in maritime exercises and multinational operations. The naval spokesman assured that efforts would be made to improve inclusiveness, particularly as the Navy prepares for forthcoming regional maritime engagements involving several West African countries.

We have always recognised the important role of the media in communicating the activities of the Nigerian Navy to the public. We will continue to work closely with defence correspondents and explore ways of improving participation in our programmes and operations.

— Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information

Folorunsho also disclosed plans to strengthen informal engagement with journalists through periodic interactions aimed at enhancing communication and mutual understanding. He further encouraged defence correspondents to seek clarification whenever issues arise, stressing that open communication remains essential in fostering accurate and balanced reportage of military activities. The visit forms part of efforts by the newly elected DECAN leadership to deepen collaboration with security institutions and strengthen professional engagement between defence correspondents and the armed forces.