PS Kana Tasks Media on Responsible Reporting of Security Operations, Salutes Military Sacrifices
….Bags DECAN Patron Award for Contributions to Armed Forces
The Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, has charged media professionals to ensure responsible, accurate and professional reporting of Nigeria’s security operations, while saluting the sacrifices of the Armed Forces in defending the nation’s territorial integrity.
Dr. Kana gave the charge on Monday in a goodwill message at the 2026 edition of the DECAN Conference and Awards themed, “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security,” organised by the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) in Abuja.
He said the media plays a critical role in shaping public perception of the nation and its security institutions, both locally and internationally, recalling his cordial relationship with journalists as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, which was driven by the need to foster collaboration and promote better understanding of the country’s security realities.
Kana commended Defence Correspondents for their professionalism and commitment, particularly those who work closely with the Armed Forces and report from operational environments. He noted that Nigerian journalists have a responsibility to tell the country’s story accurately and objectively and to provide context to its experiences and challenges.
He cautioned that inaccurate, misleading or poorly contextualised reports could create unfavourable perceptions of the country and urged the media to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness and professionalism in covering security operations and to reflect current realities in their reports.
In a statement issued by Chris Ugwuegulam, Head of Information and Public Relations, OSGF, Kana thanked the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their sacrifices in protecting the country’s territorial integrity and national security, noting that the commitment of military personnel is better appreciated by those who have had direct engagement with them and witnessed the demands of their service.
He highlighted that members of the Armed Forces routinely endure difficult conditions, spend extended periods away from their families and surrender personal comforts in the line of duty, adding that their dedication deserves recognition from all Nigerians.
In his goodwill message, former Senate President and Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for increasing resources available to the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
According to him, although Nigeria is yet to attain its desired level of security, significant progress has been made in tackling insurgency, banditry and other criminal activities.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), who was represented by Air Commodore Steven Ogunmodede (rtd), said modern security threats require a blend of combat operations, timely intelligence, advanced technology and stronger inter-agency cooperation. He cautioned against unverified reports and sensitive disclosures capable of endangering personnel, civilians or operations.
In his keynote address, the President of DECAN, Comrade Odita Sunday, identified AI, satellite surveillance, data analytics and unmanned systems as vital tools for addressing Nigeria’s evolving security threats, noting that threats now extend beyond traditional battlefields to cyberspace, digital platforms, information networks and financial systems exploited by terrorists and criminal groups.
Highlight of the conference was the launch of the DECAN Magazine and presentation of awards to Dr. Kana, for his invaluable contributions to infrastructure development and impactful policies for the Armed Forces while serving as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, as well as to some military officers for their efforts in defending the nation’s territorial integrity.
