By Augustine Ehikioya
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has emphasised the importance of responsible media reportage to the success of troops on the battlefield.
According to him, the battle for hearts and minds is as critical as the battle in the battlefield.
He spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the Directorate of Army Public Relations 3rd and 4th Quarters Media Training Seminar.
It was themed “Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security.”
Represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General Mohammed Tanimu Abdullahi, he said, “Distinguished participants, the importance of this engagement cannot be overstated. In an era where the battle for hearts and minds is as critical as the battle in the field, responsible media reportage has become a key enabler of operational success.
“The perception of the Nigerian Army, and indeed of all security agencies, is largely shaped by the narratives carried in the media space.
“With the rise of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the speed and reach of information — both genuine and false — have multiplied.
“Fake news, manipulated images, and deepfakes now pose real threats to national cohesion and operational integrity.
“Therefore, our collective task is not only to counter misinformation but to ensure that truth and verified facts dominate public discourse.” he stated.
Stressing that the Nigerian Army will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibility of defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria, he noted that victory today in the battle is not won solely on the battlefield.
The COAS added, “Increasingly, it is fought in the information domain — where narratives, perceptions, and public confidence are decisive.”
To this end, he said that synergy between the Army and the media is not a matter of convenience but a strategic imperative.
According to him, the media remains a vital partner in shaping public understanding, mobilising national support, and highlighting the sacrifices and gallantry of troops who defend the country daily.
The theme, he said, was carefully chosen, underscoring the vital role of accountability, balance, and responsibility in the reportage of military operations — particularly in a joint environment where collaboration among security agencies is indispensable.
“Your presence today reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the military–media partnership in support of national unity and security.” he stated
The COAS commended the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, for her initiative and commitment to enhancing professional standards in military-media relations.
In conclusion, he said, “Let us remember that while weapons win battles, truth and trust win wars. Our collective mission is to ensure that the Nigerian public remains accurately informed, confident in its Armed Forces, and united behind the cause of national security.”
In her welcome remarks, the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Lt Col Appolonia Anele, noted that the event is not just a gathering, but a critical engagement aimed at reinforcing the military-media synergy in support of national security efforts.
‘In today’s evolving security landscape, the role of the media is no longer just about reporting events. It is about shaping narratives, mobilising public support, countering misinformation, and ultimately influencing the success of operations undertaken by the security agencies.
In line with the theme, she said the event is a call to action for all stakeholders in the information space to deliberate and brainstorm on the dynamics of the evolving media space.
According to her, it is also an avenue to reflect on the growing need for accurate, responsible and strategic reportage of the Nigerian Army operations to deepen the synergy between the Nigerian Army and the media in the collective pursuit of national security.
“This Seminar therefore, aligns seamlessly with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, which is: “To Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”
“The philosophy highlights our collective responsibility to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen inter-agency cooperation, and project the Nigerian Army’s professionalism. In this context, the media is not a bystander but a strategic partner in securing our nation.
“This calls for professionalism, ethics, and patriotism from all media stakeholders.
“The Directorate of Army Public Relations remains committed to ensuring access to timely, credible, and verifiable information that enables responsible reportage while safeguarding national security interests.
“Together, we must ensure that our troops win not only the battles in the field but also the battles of perception and information in the public domain. We must encourage and appreciate the huge sacrifices of troops. Their gallantry sacrifice must be reinforced by responsible media reportage that amplifies their achievements, counters false narratives, and fosters unity among Nigerians,” she stated.
