The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called on the media to effectively project the successes being recorded by the Nigerian Army in ongoing counter-insurgency and other security operations through factual and timely reportage aimed at countering misinformation and strengthening public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.

According to the army chief, operational successes must be complemented by effective strategic communication.
Shaibu made the call while declaring open the First and Second Quarters Media Workshop organised by the Directorate of Army Public Relations.

Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, the COAS said contemporary security challenges require synergy among security agencies and strong partnerships with key stakeholders, especially the media.

He stressed that no single institution can effectively address modern security threats in isolation.
Speaking on the theme of the workshop, “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success,” Shaibu described it as timely and strategic.

“In today’s complex and information-driven security environment, the effective integration of media operations into joint and multi-agency frameworks has become indispensable. A well-informed citizenry is more likely to support security efforts, thereby boosting troop morale and strengthening national resilience,” he said.

The COAS noted that the Nigerian Army, through enhanced inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, coordinated planning and the dedication of officers and soldiers, has continued to record significant operational successes across different theatres of operation.

“However, operational successes must be complemented by effective strategic communication. Accurate and timely dissemination of information is essential for projecting factual narratives, countering misinformation and reinforcing public confidence,” he added.

Shaibu also urged the media to highlight the sacrifices, gallantry and professionalism of troops serving under difficult conditions in defence of the nation.

“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.

He charged participants at the workshop — including spokespersons from the armed forces, police, paramilitary agencies, media executives and defence correspondents — to strengthen collaboration, professionalism and mutual understanding in support of national security objectives.

In her welcome address, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, said the media space has become a critical domain in modern warfare and national security.

“Beyond the physical battlefield, public perception, information credibility and strategic narratives significantly influence operational outcomes, especially with the proliferation of social media and various forms of information disorders such as fake news and Artificial Intelligence-generated content,” she said.

According to Anele, the partnership between the military and the media has become more important than ever because media organisations serve as agenda setters and opinion shapers.

She added that accurate, balanced and responsible reporting supports national security efforts by promoting public understanding, highlighting progress and denying hostile elements the opportunity to exploit misinformation and disinformation.