By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has challenged media practitioners to assume a frontline role in the battle against fake news, misinformation and disinformation, warning that control of the information space has become as critical to national security as success on the battlefield.
Speaking at the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Combined First and Second Quarter Media Workshop 2026 in Abuja on Tuesday, the Army Chief said the changing nature of modern warfare requires stronger collaboration between the military and the media to counter false narratives and protect public trust.
The workshop, held at the Army War College Nigeria, brought together media professionals, communication experts and security stakeholders to examine ways of strengthening strategic communication in support of military and national security objectives.
Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Lieutenant General Shaibu described strategic communication as a force multiplier capable of enhancing operational effectiveness, shaping public perception and fostering confidence in security institutions.
According to him, military victories alone are no longer sufficient in today’s complex security landscape, as public perception and information management have become integral to overall mission success.
The Army Chief stressed that the media remains a critical partner in national security efforts, noting that timely, accurate and responsible reporting can help strengthen public confidence, support ongoing operations and frustrate attempts by adversaries to spread propaganda.
Addressing the theme of the workshop, “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success,” Shaibu described the forum as both timely and necessary, given the increasing importance of collaboration among security agencies and communication stakeholders.
He said the workshop would provide a platform for participants to exchange ideas, share best practices and develop practical strategies for countering misinformation while promoting conflict-sensitive reporting.
The COAS also highlighted recent gains recorded by the Nigerian Army through enhanced intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and coordinated planning, emphasizing that such achievements must be effectively communicated to prevent hostile elements from distorting operational realities.
He warned that information vacuums often create opportunities for false narratives to flourish, making it imperative for security agencies and media organizations to work together in ensuring factual and credible information reaches the public.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order, Lieutenant General Shaibu commended Colonel Anele and the Directorate of Army Public Relations for their efforts in strengthening the Army’s strategic communication architecture.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support and strategic guidance, which he said have contributed significantly to improving the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the information environment has emerged as a major theatre in contemporary security operations, with fake news, misinformation, disinformation and Artificial Intelligence-generated content increasingly threatening national stability.
She noted that the growing sophistication of information warfare demands closer cooperation between the military and the media to ensure that accurate information reaches the public while denying hostile actors the opportunity to manipulate public opinion
