Yemi Kosoko in Jos
Artificial intelligence–powered disinformation, deepfakes and coordinated online propaganda pose a growing threat to Nigeria’s security architecture and public trust, technology and media expert Job Mwadkon Dachungyang has cautioned.
Delivering a keynote address at a media workshop organised by the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) for Army public relations officers, media practitioners and communication personnel from other security agencies, Dachungyang said modern security operations now unfold on two battlefields; the physical environment and the fast‑moving digital information space.
He noted that the widespread use of smartphones and social media means information about security incidents often reaches millions before authorities verify the facts. This speed, he said, complicates joint operations involving multiple agencies with different communication structures.
Dachungyang explained that while artificial intelligence offers opportunities for real‑time sentiment analysis, threat monitoring and early crisis detection, it also introduces new vulnerabilities. He warned that AI‑generated fake videos, audio recordings and official‑looking messages could mislead the public, disrupt operations or imitate senior commanders to circulate false instructions.
He described deepfakes as a particularly dangerous tool, noting that fabricated content could trigger panic or confusion among security personnel and civilians.
The technology expert also identified delays in official communication as a major weakness. When verified information is not released quickly, he said, rumours and speculation fill the gap. He urged security institutions to adopt faster verification and communication systems capable of matching the speed of online misinformation.
Dachungyang further highlighted communication silos among the military, police, intelligence agencies and other security institutions. Conflicting statements, he said, can undermine otherwise successful operations and erode public confidence. He argued that media and public relations must be integrated into operational planning from the start, not treated as an administrative afterthought.
According to him, public trust is now a core element of national security. Communities are more likely to cooperate with security agencies when institutions demonstrate credibility, consistency, clarity, speed and transparency. Stronger trust, he added, improves the flow of information from citizens to security agencies, especially in areas affected by insecurity.
To counter emerging digital threats, Dachungyang recommended the establishment of AI verification and fact‑checking units capable of detecting deepfakes, investigating coordinated online manipulation and verifying digital content. He also proposed multi‑agency media intelligence frameworks to ensure real‑time coordination during joint operations.
He called for deeper collaboration between security institutions, media organisations and judicial authorities to tackle malicious disinformation and digital manipulation.
Dachungyang said the evolving information landscape requires security leaders and public relations officers to adopt a new three‑part leadership model: battle‑ready, media‑ready and AI‑aware. This, he said, demands an understanding of tactical operations, crisis communication, digital verification and the influence of AI‑driven platforms on public narratives.
The workshop aligns with the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to strengthen media engagement, sustain public support for operations and communicate successes across various theatres.