RismadarVoice Reporters, June 9, 2026
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has warned that misinformation, disinformation and hostile propaganda have emerged as significant security threats capable of undermining national stability and public confidence.
Shaibu remarked on Tuesday in Abuja during the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Combined First and Second Quarters Media Workshop 2026.
Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj. Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, the Army Chief said modern adversaries increasingly deploy propaganda, information manipulation and psychological operations to weaken public trust in government institutions and security agencies.
According to him, effective media engagement has become a critical force multiplier in joint and multi-agency security operations.
“Today’s adversaries rely heavily on propaganda and information manipulation. When left unchecked, disinformation can be as damaging as a direct security threat,” he said.
Shaibu stressed that the evolving security environment requires stronger collaboration between the military and the media to counter fake news, hostile narratives and other forms of information disorder that threaten national security efforts.
He noted that public support remains essential for operational success, adding that effective communication helps strengthen cooperation between security agencies and citizens.
The Army Chief described the workshop’s theme, “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success,” as timely and strategic in addressing contemporary security challenges.
He explained that the media has evolved beyond its traditional role of informing the public to becoming a key instrument for shaping perceptions, promoting credible narratives and countering adversarial propaganda.
Shaibu said the workshop would provide an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas, adopt best practices in conflict-sensitive reporting and develop strategies for tackling misinformation and psychological warfare.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while transforming into a more professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of operating effectively within a joint and multi-agency framework.
According to him, the Army has recorded notable operational successes through improved intelligence sharing, coordinated planning and enhanced synergy among security agencies.
“These operational gains must be supported by effective strategic communication to project accurate information, counter false narratives and reinforce public confidence in security institutions,” he said.
He urged media practitioners to highlight the sacrifices, professionalism and gallantry of troops serving in challenging environments across the country.
The Army Chief also commended the Directorate of Army Public Relations for organising the workshop and thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and strategic guidance to the Armed Forces.
Earlier, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, said the workshop was designed to strengthen collaboration between the military and media professionals in addressing modern communication challenges.
Anele noted that strategic communication has become increasingly important in contemporary military operations, particularly in countering misinformation and enhancing public understanding of security issues.
She stressed the need for accurate, balanced and responsible reporting to support national security efforts and prevent hostile actors from exploiting false information.
The workshop attracted military spokespersons, media executives, defence correspondents, communication experts and other stakeholders from across the country.
