CCC Urges Strategic Crisis Communication to Counter Terrorism Narratives
The Chairman of the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) and former Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade (rtd), has called on government information and public relations managers to sharpen their skills in crisis communication, stressing that in the fight against terrorism, controlling the narrative is just as critical as any military action.
Delivering the lead paper at a one-day capacity-building workshop for information and public relations officers (federal government’s information managers), organised by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Information Chapel, and themed “Empowering the Messenger: Innovative Approaches to Public Information in the Face of Security Challenges”, the retired general underscored the urgent need for preparedness, coordinated messaging, and the intelligent use of new media.
He also noted that modern security threats are multi-dimensional, with misinformation and propaganda now posing as much danger as physical attacks. He cautioned that poor information management during crises could fuel panic, erode public trust, and compromise national security.
“The role of strategic communication today is not merely about releasing information, but about shaping narratives, building public trust, and preventing secondary harm. Proactive preparedness, coordinated messaging, and leveraging new media tools are essential in protecting operational integrity and fostering resilience,” he stated.
The event, held on August 11, 2025, brought together heads of key federal information agencies, senior public relations officers, and security communication experts to exchange strategies for strengthening public information systems, countering extremist propaganda, and enhancing credibility during crises.
Welcoming participants, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj. Gen. A.G. Laka, said the goal of the workshop was clear to equip federal information managers with practical skills and modern strategies to counter violent extremism narratives.
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“Our goal is to equip government information and public relations managers with innovative tools, tested approaches, and a deeper understanding of the evolving communication landscape so that they can respond with credibility in countering terrorist and violent extremism ideologies and narratives,” he affirmed.
The Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Jibrin Baba Ndace, mNIPR, highlighted the value of credibility and accountability in media leadership. He urged information managers to take ownership when mistakes occur, even if committed by junior staff.
“When you are a team leader, even if the smallest reporter makes a mistake, you should apologize on behalf of the institution. It builds credibility and public trust,” Ndace advised, noting that transparency fosters long-term confidence in public institutions.
Representing the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, delivered the keynote address, commending the NCTC for its proactive role in tackling both physical and psychological dimensions of security threats.
“Security threats today are not only physical but also psychological. Disinformation and propaganda are potent tools used by those who seek to destabilize societies,” he warned, adding that effective public communication is vital to national stability.
Similarly, Hajia Halimah Musa, Director of News and Current Affairs, speaking on behalf of the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), stressed that effective communication is about more than delivering facts, it is about inspiring confidence and unity.
“You are the voice of reason and hope in times of uncertainty. Your work builds public confidence, fosters national unity, and counters destructive narratives,” she told participants.
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), represented by Alhaji Bala Musa, Director of Communication and Media, reaffirmed the agency’s support for strengthening public information systems as a tool for peace and cohesion.
The workshop ended with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen the capacity of government communicators in delivering accurate, transparent, and timely information that fosters unity and counters destructive narratives.
By PRNigeria
