Misinformation, Propaganda Now Tools of Terrorists, Secessionists – Army Warns
The Nigerian Army has raised alarm over the growing weaponization of propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation by terrorists, secessionists, and economic saboteurs, warning that these tactics now pose serious threats to national security.
The concern was part of the major takeaways from the just-concluded Third and Fourth Quarters Media Training Seminar, organized by the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR), and held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
In her closing remarks on Thursday, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, said that in today’s complex and volatile information environment, national security battles are no longer fought by weapons alone, but by the mastery and control of information.
“Propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation have become dangerous weapons in the hands of terrorists, secessionists, economic saboteurs, and their collaborators,” she said.
“We must collectively ensure that these falsehoods do not erode public trust, weaken national morale, or undermine the sacrifices of our gallant troops who daily confront enemies of our country.”
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Lt. Col. Anele noted that the Nigerian Army remains unwavering in its constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but stressed that achieving lasting victory requires synergy with the media and other stakeholders.
“To achieve lasting victory, the cooperation of the media is indispensable. I urge all participants to translate the lessons from this training into action, whether in the newsroom, on the field, or in our respective deployments. Together, we can deny adversaries the oxygen of propaganda and amplify the truth of our collective resolve against criminality,” she added.
She emphasized that information warfare has become a key component of modern conflict, and urged journalists and military public relations officers to guard against being used as tools by agents of destabilization.
“I charge you all to remain ambassadors of truth, defenders of professional ethics, and partners in the great task of building a safer, stronger, and more united Nigeria,” Anele stated.
The Army noted that the training outcomes would serve as a “compass” for engaging the media space with clarity, credibility, and professionalism, as part of efforts to counter the influence of false narratives.
The five-day workshop, held from October 6 to 10, brought together participants from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, journalists, and other sister security agencies, in a collaborative effort to strengthen military-media relations and enhance national security communication.
By PRNigeria
