Odita Sunday 
COAS: Media Partnership Critical to Defeating Terrorism, Strengthening National Security
……Tasks Media on Countering Disinformation, Building Public Confidence in Security Operations
By Odita Sunday
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has underscored the strategic importance of the media in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and other security threats, describing effective media engagement as a critical force multiplier in modern military operations.
The Army Chief stated this at the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Combined First and Second Quarters Media Workshop 2026 held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, the COAS said the increasingly complex nature of contemporary security challenges requires stronger collaboration between the military, the media and other critical stakeholders to foster national security and public trust.
Addressing media executives, military spokespersons, communication experts, senior serving and retired officers, resource persons and participants at the workshop, General Shaibu expressed appreciation for their continued support towards strengthening communication between the Armed Forces and the Nigerian public.
According to him, the gathering reflects a shared commitment to deepening military-media relations and enhancing strategic communication within the framework of joint and multi-agency security operations.
”In an era where perception often shapes reality, the role of the media in countering misinformation, disinformation and fake news, while mobilising public support for security operations, cannot be overstated,” he said.
The COAS noted that the Armed Forces and other security agencies have continued to record significant operational successes against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, economic saboteurs and other criminal elements across different theatres of operation.
He stressed, however, that military victories on the battlefield must be complemented by effective information management and strategic communication to ensure that factual narratives prevail over falsehood and propaganda.
”The ongoing successes being recorded against terrorists, bandits, economic saboteurs and other criminal elements highlight the urgent need for sustained and responsible media engagement. Public support is not merely desirable; it is a strategic necessity for operational success.
”It enhances cooperation, strengthens public confidence and contributes significantly to the attainment of national security objectives,” he stated.
Speaking on the theme of the workshop, “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success,” the Army Chief described it as timely and highly relevant to the evolving security environment.
He observed that modern conflicts are no longer fought solely on physical battlefields but also in the information space, where narratives, perceptions and public opinion often influence operational outcomes.
According to him, the media has evolved beyond its traditional role of information dissemination to become a vital instrument for shaping public perception, countering hostile propaganda, projecting credible narratives and supporting operational effectiveness.
General Shaibu explained that the workshop would provide participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences and adopt global best practices in conflict-sensitive reporting and strategic communication.
He added that the engagement would also help develop innovative approaches for combating misinformation, disinformation and psychological operations often deployed by criminal and terrorist groups to create fear, spread confusion and undermine public confidence in security institutions.
The COAS reiterated that the Nigerian Army remains fully committed to its constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
He said this commitment aligns with his Command Philosophy, which seeks to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively operating within increasingly complex joint and multi-agency environments.
”Central to this philosophy is the recognition that contemporary security challenges require synergy among security agencies and strong partnerships with key stakeholders, particularly the media. No single institution can effectively address today’s complex security threats in isolation,” he noted.
General Shaibu highlighted the achievements recorded by troops across various operational theatres, attributing the successes to enhanced intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation, coordinated planning and the unwavering dedication and sacrifice of officers and soldiers.
While acknowledging these gains, he stressed that effective strategic communication remains indispensable in projecting the true picture of military operations and maintaining public confidence.
”Accurate and timely dissemination of information is essential for projecting factual narratives, countering misinformation and reinforcing public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.
”A well-informed citizenry is more likely to support security efforts, thereby boosting troop morale and strengthening national resilience,” he said.
The Army Chief also urged media practitioners to continue highlighting the sacrifices, gallantry and professionalism of military personnel serving across various operational theatres under difficult and often dangerous conditions.
He noted that many troops continue to make enormous sacrifices, including paying the ultimate price, in defence of the nation’s peace, security and stability.
According to him, adversaries increasingly rely on propaganda, false narratives and information manipulation as tools of warfare, warning that unchecked disinformation can inflict damage comparable to direct security threats.
”In reporting military operations, the media has a responsibility to highlight the sacrifices, gallantry and professionalism of our troops. It must be recognised that today’s adversaries rely heavily on propaganda and information manipulation. When left unchecked, disinformation can be as damaging as a direct security threat,” he stated.
The COAS expressed confidence in the calibre of resource persons assembled for the workshop, describing them as experts with the knowledge and experience required to provide valuable insights into contemporary communication and security challenges.
He encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions, exchange perspectives and generate practical recommendations capable of improving media operations in support of national security objectives.
”As we deliberate over the course of this workshop, I urge all participants to remain focused on the broader objective of strengthening collaboration, professionalism and mutual understanding in the service of national security,” he said.
General Shaibu commended the Directorate of Army Public Relations for organising the workshop and for its sustained efforts towards professional excellence, capacity development and strategic communication within the Nigerian Army.
He also appreciated the contributions of resource persons and invited guests, expressing confidence that their expertise would enrich discussions and contribute significantly to the success of the workshop.
The Army Chief further conveyed the appreciation of the Nigerian Army to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support, strategic guidance and commitment to strengthening the Armed Forces and improving national security.
In his closing remarks, General Shaibu reiterated the need for continuous engagement between the military and the media, describing journalists and communication professionals as indispensable partners in shaping public understanding of military activities and national security efforts.
He expressed optimism that the workshop would produce actionable recommendations capable of strengthening military-media relations, enhancing public trust and contributing to lasting peace, security and stability across Nigeria.
”Through collaboration, professionalism and mutual respect, we can ensure that accurate, balanced and responsible reporting guides public discourse, particularly during periods of security challenges,” he said.
The workshop brought together media professionals, military public relations officers, security communication experts and stakeholders from across the country’s security and information management sectors to deliberate on strategies for enhancing media integration in support of national security operations.
About the Author
