COAS Tasks Media on Countering Fake News, Strengthening National Security
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called on media professionals to play a more active role in combating misinformation, disinformation and fake news, stressing that control of the information space is crucial to national security and operational success.
The Army Chief made the call on Tuesday while declaring open the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Combined First and Second Quarter Media Workshop 2026 at the Army War College Nigeria.
Speaking through the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Shaibu described strategic communication as a critical force multiplier in modern military operations, noting that effective media integration remains indispensable to the success of joint and multi-agency operations.
He said that in today’s increasingly complex information environment, where public perception often influences reality, the media occupies a strategic position in shaping narratives, building public confidence and preventing adversaries from exploiting information gaps.
According to him, sustained engagement with the media and public support have become strategic imperatives across all theatres of operation, adding that transparent and proactive communication strengthens institutional credibility, promotes trust and reinforces the nation’s security architecture.
Addressing the workshop’s theme, “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success,” the COAS described the event as timely and relevant, providing a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, adopt global best practices in conflict-sensitive reporting and develop coordinated approaches to counter misinformation and disinformation.
Shaibu also highlighted operational successes recorded by the Nigerian Army through improved inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing and coordinated planning, stressing the importance of effectively communicating such achievements to the public.
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He noted that public awareness of military successes is necessary to sustain confidence in security institutions and prevent hostile actors from distorting operational realities through propaganda and false narratives.
The Army Chief reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order.
He commended the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, for her leadership and efforts in strengthening the Army’s strategic communication capabilities through initiatives such as the media workshop.
Shaibu also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support and strategic guidance toward enhancing the operational effectiveness of the military.
Earlier, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, said the workshop was designed to address emerging challenges within Nigeria’s evolving security landscape, particularly threats emanating from the information domain.
She observed that contemporary security threats now extend beyond physical battlefields, with fake news, misinformation, disinformation and Artificial Intelligence-generated content increasingly posing risks to national security and social stability.
Anele stressed that stronger collaboration between the military and the media was essential for ensuring accurate information dissemination, promoting national cohesion and preventing hostile actors from exploiting the information environment for destabilising purposes.
She also thanked the Chief of Army Staff for his continued investment in personnel development, military modernisation and strategic communication, which she said had enhanced the Army’s capacity to respond effectively to both current and emerging security challenges.
The workshop brought together military public relations officers, media practitioners and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening information management and supporting national security objectives through responsible and professional communication.
By PRNigeria
