By Ada Nkong
The Ministry of Defence says it did not deny Channels Television Reporter access to an event which was part of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
A statement by Iheoma-Hart Queen says concerning media coverage of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day symposium/lecture series held today at the National Defence College, Abuja, a media advisory inviting coverage of the event was circulated in advance, indicating that the programme would commence promptly at 10:00 a.m. and requesting that all media personnel be seated by 9:30 a.m.
This the statement said was to ensure orderly accreditation, security screening and uninterrupted proceedings for invited guests and dignitaries.
It further said contrary to reports broadcast by Channels TV, the Ministry did not bar Channel’s personnel from covering the event. The Channels TV cameraman who arrived and presented himself prior to the scheduled start was granted access and filmed the proceedings without interruption. The Channels TV reporter who attempted to enter the venue after the programme had commenced was denied late admission for security and protocol reasons — the dignitaries had already been seated and mandatory security checks were in progress.
The Ministry said it strongly opposes and regrets any inaccurate reporting that suggests deliberate exclusion of any accredited media house adding that they regard all professional media organisations, including Channels TV, as important partners in public information and transparency. We call on media outlets to report responsibly and to verify facts before broadcasting.
As the Armed Forces Celebration continues, the Ministry reaffirmed that invited media organisations remain welcome to cover further activities, subject to the event schedule and standard security procedures.
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