Our Editorial
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has harped on the need for effective integration of media operations into joint and multi-agency frameworks in security operations in the country.
According to him, with the nature of security environment, the media is needed to help counter misinformation, disinformation and fake news.
Besides that, the COAS added that the media is also to mobilise public support for security operations.
He spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations’ Combined First and Second Quarters Media Workshop 2026.
The workshop themed “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success,” was covered by Security Watch Africa (SWA).
The Army Chief, who was represented by the Chief of Civil Military Affairs (Army), Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, said “The ongoing successes being recorded against terrorists, bandits, economic saboteurs and other criminal elements highlight the urgent need for sustained and responsible media engagement. Public support is not merely desirable; it is a strategic necessity for operational success. It enhances cooperation, strengthens public confidence and contributes significantly to the attainment of national security objectives.
“In today’s complex and information-driven security environment, the effective integration of media operations into joint and multi-agency frameworks has become indispensable.
“Beyond its traditional role of informing the public, the media now serves as a critical instrument for shaping perceptions, countering adversarial propaganda, projecting credible narratives and enhancing operational effectiveness.
“This workshop provides an excellent platform for exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, adopting best practices in conflict-sensitive reporting and collectively developing strategies to counter misinformation and psychological operations aimed at creating fear and undermining public confidence.”
The Nigerian Army, according to him, remains steadfast in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the nation.
He also maintained that the achievements being recorded across various theatres of operation have been driven by enhanced inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, coordinated planning and the unwavering dedication of officers and soldiers.
The COAS added “However, operational successes must be complemented by effective strategic communication. Accurate and timely dissemination of information is essential for projecting factual narratives, countering misinformation and reinforcing public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.
“A well-informed citizenry is more likely to support security efforts, thereby boosting troop morale and strengthening national resilience.
“In reporting military operations, the media also has a responsibility to highlight the sacrifices, gallantry and professionalism of our troops, many of whom continue to serve under extremely challenging conditions in defence of our nation.
“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 expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, for his steadfast support, strategic guidance and unwavering commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces as a whole.
In her welcome address, the Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, noted that the theme is strategic and deliberate as Nigeria continues to confront evolving security challenges that demand military responses, effective information management and strategic communication in a joint and multi-agency operational environment.
She said that the media space has become a critical domain in modern warfare and national security.
“Beyond the physical battlefield, public perception, information credibility and strategic narratives significantly influence operational outcomes, especially with the proliferation of social media space with various forms of information disorders such as fake news and Artificial Intelligence-generated content.
“Consequently, the partnership between the military and the media has never been more important. As key agenda setters and opinion shapers, media organisations play an important role in informing the public, promoting national cohesion, countering misinformation, as well as disinformation and fostering public confidence in the nation’s security forces,” she added.
The Nigerian Army under the COAS, she said, is undergoing a deliberate transformation aimed at strengthening human resource generation, development, enhancing operational readiness, expanding training infrastructure and integrating modern technology into its operations.
“These efforts are designed to ensure that the Nigerian Army remains agile, combat-ready and capable of decisively addressing both current and emerging security threats across the country.”
She also said that the acquisition and deployment of modern equipment and the use of technologies, intelligence platforms and innovative operational tools are enhancing the Army’s ability to detect, prevent and respond effectively to security challenges in an increasingly complex environment.
“As these transformational efforts continue, the role of the media becomes even more critical. It is therefore imperative that accurate, balanced and responsible reporting complements national security efforts by highlighting the progress made, while promoting public understanding and denying hostile elements the opportunity to exploit misinformation,” she stated.
