General Irabor Urges Media to Promote National Image, Act Responsibly in Security Reporting

Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, has emphasized the critical role of the media in shaping public narratives and promoting a positive image of Nigeria, particularly in matters related to national security and the military. 

Speaking at the maiden edition of the Voice of Nigeria forum, he described the media as a powerful tool in nation-building and in influencing both domestic and international perceptions of the country.

General Irabor called on journalists and media organizations to handle security-related issues with sensitivity and a high degree of responsibility. He warned against generalizing the actions of a few individuals within security agencies as reflective of the entire institution.

“If there is a misadventure by an individual in a security agency, that should not define the whole institution,” Irabor stated. “There may be deviants, but their actions do not represent the values or character of the entire establishment.”

He urged the media to always consider the broader implications of their reporting on national image and citizen morale. “When you're reporting outcomes, put in context the image of the country—we're dealing with the sensibilities of citizens and the reputation of Nigeria.”

General Irabor also cautioned against politicizing the work of the military and other security agencies, noting they are instruments of the state serving the public interest. “Using them as political tools compromises the integrity and sovereignty of the nation,” he said.

Despite these concerns, he reaffirmed the media's importance as a strategic partner in national security, encouraging journalists to continue projecting the positive contributions of the military and the broader security architecture.