Misinformation now security threat – COAS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says misinformation and hostile propaganda have become major security threats, underscoring the need for stronger collaboration between the military and the media.

Shaibu said this on Tuesday in Abuja at 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 (Army), Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, the COAS said that modern adversaries increasingly relied on misinformation and psychological operations to undermine public confidence.

He noted that effective media engagement had therefore become a force multiplier in joint and multi-agency security operations.

According to him, 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.”

The COAS said the evolving security environment required stronger military-media partnerships to counter fake news, hostile narratives and other forms of information disorder capable of undermining national security efforts.

He also said that public support remained a strategic necessity for operational success, adding that effective communication helped in strengthening cooperation between security agencies and citizens.

He described the theme of the workshop, “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success”, as timely and strategic in view of contemporary security challenges.

He noted that the media had gone beyond its traditional role of informing the public to becoming a critical instrument for shaping perceptions, projecting credible narratives and countering adversarial propaganda.

The army chief further said that the workshop would provide a platform for exchanging ideas, adopting best practices in conflict-sensitive reporting and developing strategies to counter misinformation and psychological warfare.

He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in line with its constitutional mandate.

Shaibu added that his command philosophy was focused on transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of operating effectively within a joint and multi-agency environment.

He said that the army had continued to record significant operational successes across various theatres through enhanced synergy, intelligence sharing and coordinated planning among security agencies.

According to him, such operational gains must be complemented by effective strategic communication to project accurate information, counter false narratives and reinforce public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.

“A well-informed citizenry rallies behind national security efforts, boosting troop morale and strengthening national resilience.

The COAS urged media practitioners to also highlight the sacrifices, gallantry and professionalism of troops who continue to operate under difficult conditions in defence of the country.

He commended the Directorate of Army Public Relations for organising the workshop and charged participants to actively engage in discussions aimed at strengthening media operations in support of national security objectives.

Shaibu also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces.

Earlier, the acting director, army public relations, Col Appolonia Anele, said the workshop was designed to deepen collaboration between the military and media professionals in addressing contemporary communication challenges.

Anele said strategic communication had become increasingly important in modern military operations, particularly in countering misinformation and promoting public understanding of security issues.

She stressed the need for accurate, balanced and responsible reporting to complement national security efforts and deny hostile elements opportunities to exploit misinformation.

The director reaffirmed the army’s commitment to professionalism, innovation and constructive engagement with the media in line with global best practices.

She expressed appreciation to the COAS for his support for personnel training, modernisation initiatives, and strategic communication, which had repositioned the Nigerian Army to better address contemporary security challenges.

Anele urged participants to actively engage in the workshop sessions and explore innovative approaches to leveraging media integration as a force multiplier in support of national security objectives.

The workshop attracted military spokespersons, media executives, defence correspondents, communication experts and other stakeholders from across the country. (NAN)

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