Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, emphasized that responsible journalism plays a crucial role in boosting the effectiveness of military operations against insurgent groups.
He highlighted that accurate media coverage helps to dismantle the false narratives and propaganda spread by terrorists, which aim to destabilize national peace.
Speaking in Abuja during the inauguration of the Directorate of Army Public Relations’ Combined Third and Fourth Quarters Media Training Seminar, themed “Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security,” Gen. Oluyede stressed the importance of truthful reporting.
Represented by Major General Mohammed Abdullahi, commander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, the COAS pointed out that the seminar reinforced the necessity for accountability, fairness, and responsibility in covering military activities-especially within a collaborative framework involving multiple security agencies.
He remarked, “In today’s world, where winning public opinion is as vital as success on the battlefield, responsible media coverage is a fundamental factor in operational achievements. The public’s view of the Nigerian Army and other security bodies is largely influenced by the stories presented in the media.”
Gen. Oluyede further noted that advancements in digital technology and artificial intelligence have exponentially increased the speed and spread of both authentic and misleading information.
He warned that fabricated news, altered visuals, and sophisticated deepfake content now threaten national unity and the integrity of military operations.
“Our shared responsibility extends beyond combating misinformation; we must ensure that truth and verified facts prevail in public conversations,” he added.
The Chief of Army Staff reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to its constitutional duty of safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Victory in contemporary conflicts is no longer determined solely by physical combat. The battle increasingly unfolds within the information sphere, where narratives, public perception, and trust are decisive factors,” he explained.
In her opening address, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, acting director of Army Public Relations, described the seminar as a platform to shape public narratives, rally community support, counteract false information, and ultimately enhance the success of security operations.
“This event calls on all participants in the information ecosystem to engage in meaningful discussions about the rapidly changing media landscape. It also serves as an opportunity to emphasize the critical need for precise, responsible, and strategic reporting of Nigerian Army activities, thereby strengthening the partnership between the military and the media in the shared goal of national security,” she stated.
Lt-Col Anele concluded by affirming that the media today is not merely an observer but a vital ally in the nation’s security efforts.
