ABUJA — The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has identified misinformation, disinformation and hostile propaganda as emerging security threats capable of undermining national stability, urging stronger collaboration between the military and the media to counter false narratives.
Speaking on Tuesday at the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Combined First and Second Quarters Media Workshop 2026 in Abuja, the Army Chief said modern adversaries increasingly deploy propaganda and psychological operations to weaken public confidence in security institutions.
Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Shaibu noted that effective media engagement had become a critical force multiplier in joint and multi-agency security operations.
“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 COAS stressed that the evolving security landscape demands stronger military-media partnerships to combat fake news, hostile narratives and other forms of information disorder capable of frustrating national security efforts.
According to him, public support remains a strategic requirement for operational success, adding that transparent and effective communication helps foster cooperation between security agencies and citizens.
He described the workshop’s theme, “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success,” as both timely and strategic in addressing contemporary security challenges.
Shaibu noted that the media’s role has expanded beyond information dissemination to include shaping public perception, projecting credible narratives and countering adversarial propaganda.
He said the workshop would serve as a platform for participants to exchange ideas, adopt best practices in conflict-sensitive reporting and develop effective strategies for tackling misinformation and psychological warfare.
The Army Chief reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in line with its constitutional responsibilities.
He added that his command philosophy is focused on transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of operating effectively within a joint and multi-agency environment.
Shaibu highlighted the significant operational gains recorded across various theatres of operation through enhanced intelligence sharing, coordinated planning and improved synergy among security agencies.
However, he emphasized that such successes must be complemented by strategic communication capable of projecting accurate information, countering false narratives and strengthening public confidence in security institutions.
“A well-informed citizenry rallies behind national security efforts, boosts troop morale and strengthens national resilience,” he said.
The COAS also urged media practitioners to spotlight the sacrifices, professionalism and gallantry of troops operating under challenging conditions to defend the nation.
He commended the Directorate of Army Public Relations for organizing the workshop and encouraged participants to engage actively in discussions aimed at strengthening media operations in support of national security objectives.
Shaibu further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces.
Earlier, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, said the workshop was designed to deepen collaboration between the military and media professionals in addressing contemporary communication challenges.
She noted that strategic communication has become increasingly vital in modern military operations, particularly in countering misinformation and promoting public understanding of security issues.
Anele emphasized the need for accurate, balanced and responsible reporting to complement national security efforts and prevent hostile elements from exploiting misinformation.
She reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to professionalism, innovation and constructive engagement with the media in line with global best practices.
The workshop attracted military spokespersons, media executives, defence correspondents, communication experts and other stakeholders from across the country.
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