By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) on Monday dismissed reports alleging that it denied Channels Television access to the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) symposium/lecture series held at the National Defence College, Abuja.

In a statement signed by the Chief Information Officer, Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, the ministry said a media advisory had been circulated ahead of the event, indicating a 10:00 a.m. start.

Iheoma-Hart added that advisory requested media personnel to be seated by 9:30 a.m. to allow for accreditation, security screening and smooth proceedings.

According to her, a Channels TV cameraman, who arrived before the programme commenced, was duly granted access and covered the event without interruption.

“A reporter who arrived after proceedings had begun was denied late entry strictly on security and protocol grounds, as dignitaries were already seated and checks were ongoing,” she said.

Iheoma-Hart faulted what she described as “inaccurate reporting suggesting deliberate exclusion”, stressing that it valued professional media organisations as partners in public information and transparency.

The spokesperson urged media houses to verify facts before broadcast.

She reaffirmed that the ministry would accord utmost respect to all invited media organisations to cover subsequent AFCRD activities, subject to schedules and standard security procedures.(NAN)