Defence Ministry Denies Barring Channels TV from 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Symposium

The Federal Ministry of Defence has firmly refuted claims that it deliberately prevented Channels Television from participating in the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) symposium and lecture series held at the National Defence College in Abuja.

Reacting to reports circulating in some quarters, the ministry clarified that there was no intentional restriction placed on any media organisation, including Channels TV, during the event.

In an official statement released on Monday, the Chief Information Officer of the ministry, Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, explained that a formal media advisory had been issued well ahead of the programme. The advisory clearly stated that the symposium would begin at exactly 10:00 a.m., while invited journalists were required to be seated by 9:30 a.m.

She noted that the early arrival instruction was necessary to allow enough time for accreditation, mandatory security screening, and orderly coordination before the arrival of top military officers and other dignitaries.

According to Iheoma-Hart, a cameraman from Channels Television arrived before the programme commenced and was granted full access to the venue. She confirmed that the cameraman successfully covered the symposium without any form of obstruction or interference from security officials.

However, she disclosed that a Channels TV reporter who arrived after the event had already started was not allowed into the hall. She explained that the decision was purely based on established security and protocol guidelines, as proceedings were already underway and important dignitaries had taken their seats.

She emphasized that denying late entry under such circumstances is a standard procedure at high-level military events and should not be misinterpreted as deliberate exclusion or censorship.

The ministry expressed concern over what it described as misleading reports suggesting that Channels Television was intentionally barred. Iheoma-Hart stressed that the Ministry of Defence has always regarded professional media organisations as key partners in promoting transparency, accountability, and public awareness.

She further advised media houses to ensure proper verification of facts before making public broadcasts, especially on sensitive national events involving security institutions.

Reaffirming the ministry’s position, Iheoma-Hart assured that all accredited media organisations would continue to receive full cooperation and respect during subsequent AFCRD programmes, provided they comply with event schedules and standard security procedures.