From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has warned that fake news, propaganda, and the selfish interests of some individuals have become major threats to national security.
He, therefore, called for stronger collaboration between the military and the media to counter misinformation, hostile narratives, and other forms of disinformation capable of undermining the country’s security.
The COAS made the call at the opening of the 2026 Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Combined First and Second Quarters Media Workshop in Abuja.
Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Shaibu stressed the need for stronger military-media partnerships, noting that modern adversaries increasingly rely on misinformation and psychological operations to undermine public confidence.
According to him, effective media engagement has become a force multiplier in joint and multi-agency security operations.
“It must be recognised that today’s adversaries rely heavily on propaganda and information manipulation. When left unchecked, disinformation can be as damaging as a direct security threat,” he said.
The Army Chief noted that public support remains a strategic necessity for operational success, adding that effective communication helps strengthen cooperation between security agencies and citizens.
Describing the workshop’s theme, “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success,” as timely and strategic, Shaibu said the media had evolved beyond its traditional role of informing the public and now plays a critical role in shaping perceptions, projecting credible narratives, and countering adversarial propaganda.
He expressed confidence that the workshop would provide a platform for exchanging ideas, adopting best practices in conflict-sensitive reporting, and developing strategies to counter misinformation and psychological warfare.
The COAS reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in line with its constitutional mandate.
He said his command philosophy is focused on transforming the Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force capable of operating effectively within a joint and multi-agency environment.
According to him, the Army has continued to record significant operational successes across various theatres through enhanced synergy, intelligence sharing, and coordinated planning among security agencies.
He, however, stressed that such gains must be complemented by effective strategic communication to project accurate information, counter false narratives, and reinforce public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.
“A well-informed citizenry rallies behind national security efforts, boosts troop morale, and strengthens national resilience,” he said.
Shaibu also called on media practitioners to highlight the sacrifices, gallantry, and professionalism of troops operating under difficult conditions in defence of the country.
He commended the Directorate of Army Public Relations for organising the workshop and urged participants to actively engage in discussions aimed at strengthening media operations in support of national security objectives.
The Army Chief further expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces.
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