DIA Trains 87 Participants on Psychological Operations, Strategic Communication

DIA Trains 87 Participants on Psychological Operations, Strategic Communication

Participants of the National Security Course on Psychological Operations and Strategic Communication I (NSCPOSC-1) have urged agencies of government to explore potentials of new technological tools including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics to tackle security challenges.

The programme was organized by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) where 87 participants were trained on Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) and Strategic Communication (STRACOMM).

In a communique issued at the end of five days intensive training course with the theme; “Winning Hearts and Minds for National Cohesion and Development,” participants urged the government to adequately fund the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to discharge its statutory responsibilities of promoting national unity, harmony and national cohesion.

While calling on the media and traditional institutions to play major roles in shaping public attitudes, they pointed out that inter-agency collaboration should be sustained, especially among security services for coordinated activities for national safety and security

“That Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and Non-Govermental Organizations (NGOs) should be engaged in addressing ethnic and religious intolerance through grassroots initiatives

“There is a need for National Policy backed by legal frameworks in order to regulate the activities of digital media and social media to guard against fake news and hate speeches,”

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye said the course was organized to boost security experts’ understanding of the dynamics of psychological operations and strategic communication with the intent of reconnecting with communities and enlighten them on the importance of lawful conduct.

Represented by the Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal S. Chinda, the CDI promised to look into the recommendations in the communique and forward it to relevant authorities and institutions for consideration.”

Also speaking at the event, the Director Psychological Operation at DIA, Mrs CA Usman said the participants of the course were carefully selected from the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Intelligence communities, Para-military agencies, media personnel, traditional rulers, government officials, and representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs among others.

She said: “the course was aimed at creating awareness on the application of tools of STRATCOMM and PSYOPS instruments in the attainment of national cohesion and development.

“We hope that the participants of the course who are now better informed will go back to their respective MDAs thereby utilizing the skills acquired in shaping the behaviours, attitudes, minds, perceptions and opinions of the target audience in line with the goals of national security objectives and values.”

By PRNigeria