The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Oluyede, has urged journalists and media organisations across Nigeria to take an active role in countering terrorist propaganda and misinformation aimed at undermining the country’s peace and security.
Responsible Reportage Critical to Military Success
Speaking in Abuja at the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations’ Combined Third and Fourth Quarters Media Training Seminar, themed “Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security”, the Army Chief said the media’s role in shaping national narratives could not be overstated.
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Represented by the Commander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General Mohammed Abdullahi, Gen. Oluyede stressed that the credibility of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies depends largely on how their activities are reported.
“In an era where the battle for hearts and minds is as critical as the battle in the field, responsible media reportage has become a key enabler of operational success,” he said. “The perception of the Nigerian Army, and indeed of all security agencies, is largely shaped by the narratives carried in the media space.”
Fake News and AI Threats to National Cohesion
The COAS cautioned that the rise of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) has amplified both genuine and false information, making misinformation an even greater threat to national cohesion and operational integrity.
He warned that fake news, manipulated images, and deepfakes could easily distort public perception and weaken trust in national institutions.
“Our collective task is not only to counter misinformation but to ensure that truth and verified facts dominate public discourse,” he said.
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Gen. Oluyede reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting that modern warfare extends far beyond the battlefield.
“Victory today is fought in the information domain — where narratives, perceptions, and public confidence are decisive,” he added.
Media Seen as Strategic Partner in National Security
In her welcome address, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the seminar was designed to foster synergy between the military and the media to promote national security through responsible reporting.
“It is a call to action for all stakeholders in the information space to deliberate on the dynamics of the evolving media landscape,” she said. “The media is not a bystander but a strategic partner in securing the nation.”
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She added that the workshop would help shape narratives, mobilise public support, and counter misinformation that could undermine the success of joint military operations.
