Nigeria, July 11 -- A recent debate has reignited an enduring ethical dilemma in media circles: What should or should not be published?

By its very nature, journalism thrives on controversy, and many media outlets consider sensitive or even classified information the holy grail, often labelling it as "breaking news" or "exclusive investigative reporting." However, communication scholars and public relations professionals have long advocated for responsible journalism - especially when national interests are at stake - through dialogue, discretion, and, in some cases, confidentiality.

There are indeed circumstances where a better understanding between the media and security services is crucial, particularly when the information in questi...