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Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu says disinformation and hostile propaganda have become major security threats, underscoring the need for stronger collaboration between the military and the media.
Shaibu said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) 2026 Quarter One and Quarter Two Combined Media Workshop.
Represented by the Chief of Civil Military Affairs (Army), Maj. Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, the COAS, said modern adversaries are increasingly relying on disinformation and psychological operations to undermine public trust.
He noted that effective media engagement has therefore become a force multiplier in joint and multi-agency security operations.
According to him, it must be recognized that today’s adversaries rely heavily on propaganda and information manipulation.
“If left unchecked, disinformation can be as damaging as a direct security threat.”
The COAS said the evolving security environment requires stronger military-media partnerships to counter fake news, hostile narratives and other forms of information disruption capable of undermining national security efforts.
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He further said that public support remains a strategic necessity for operational success, adding that effective communication has helped strengthen cooperation between security agencies and citizens.
He described the workshop theme, “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success,” as timely and strategic in light of contemporary security challenges.
He noted that the media has moved beyond its traditional role of informing the public to become a critical tool for shaping perceptions, projecting credible narratives and countering adversary propaganda.
The Army Chief further said that the workshop will provide a platform for exchanging ideas, adopting best practices in conflict-sensitive reporting and developing strategies to counter disinformation and psychological warfare.
He reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation in line with its constitutional mandate.
Shaibu added that his command philosophy was focused on transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force, capable of operating effectively in a joint and multi-agency environment.
He said the Army continued to record significant operational successes in various theaters through increased synergy, intelligence sharing and coordinated planning among security agencies.
According to him, such operational benefits must be complemented by effective strategic communication to provide accurate information, counter false narratives and strengthen public trust in the nation’s security institutions.
“A well-informed citizenry rallies in support of national security efforts, boosting troop morale and strengthening national resilience.
The COAS urged media workers to also highlight the sacrifices, courage and professionalism of the troops who continue to operate in difficult conditions in defense of the country.
He commended the Army Public Relations Directorate for organizing the seminar and charged participants to actively engage in discussions aimed at strengthening media operations in support of national security objectives.
Shaibu also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army and Armed Forces.
Earlier, Acting Director of Army Public Relations Colonel Appolonia Anele said the workshop was designed to deepen collaboration between the military and media professionals in addressing contemporary communication challenges.
Anele said strategic communication has become increasingly important in modern military operations, particularly in countering disinformation and promoting public understanding of security issues.
He emphasized the need for accurate, balanced and responsible reporting to complement national security efforts and deny hostile elements the opportunity to exploit disinformation.
The director reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to professionalism, innovation and constructive engagement with the media in line with global best practices.
He expressed appreciation to the COAS for his support to personnel training, modernization initiatives and strategic communication that have repositioned the Nigerian Army to better address contemporary security challenges.
Anele urged participants to actively engage in the workshop sessions and explore innovative approaches to leverage media integration as a force multiplier in support of national security objectives.
The seminar attracted military spokespeople, media executives, defense correspondents, communications experts and other stakeholders from across the country.
(NAN)
