The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged Nigerian journalists to see themselves as strategic partners in safeguarding the nation’s security, stressing that in modern warfare, truth is as vital as firepower.
Zig Diaries | Defence & Society
Date: Tuesday, 7 October 2025
Time: 12:45 WAT
Location: 📍 Abuja, Nigeria
He spoke in Abuja while declaring open 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.”
Represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General Mohammed Abdullahi, the COAS said the narratives carried in the media space directly shapqe public perception and operational confidence in the Armed Forces.
He described responsible media reportage as a critical enabler of troops’ success, especially in countering terrorist propaganda, disinformation, and psychological warfare designed to weaken public morale.
“This seminar underscores the vital role of accountability, balance, and responsibility in the reportage of military operations, particularly in a joint environment where collaboration among security agencies is indispensable,” General Oluyede stated.
He warned that fake news, manipulated images, and deepfakes now pose serious threats to national cohesion and operational integrity, adding that journalists must treat information warfare with the same urgency as the military treats kinetic operations.
“Victory today is not won solely on the battlefield,” the Army Chief noted. “It is also fought in the information domain, where narratives, perceptions, and public confidence are decisive.”
He called for synergy between the Army and the media as a strategic imperative, not a convenience — stressing that journalists have the responsibility to ensure the sacrifices and gallantry of Nigerian troops are told accurately, respectfully, and truthfully.
Media as Security Partner:
Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, highlighted that modern conflicts are fought as much in the information space as on the ground. She warned that hybrid threats, disinformation campaigns, and AI-generated fake content are being weaponized to erode trust in institutions and demoralize troops.
She urged media professionals to replace propaganda with verified facts, and uphold ethics, professionalism, and patriotism in their coverage.
“This seminar is a call to action,” she said, “to deepen synergy between the Army and the media, strengthen public trust, and ensure that truth, not falsehood, dominates Nigeria’s information environment.”
Fact Check & Background Context:
The seminar brought together media executives, defence correspondents, and information officers to strategize on countering fake news in joint operations.
Nigerian Army Public Relations has, in recent years, integrated cyber and digital communication tools to monitor, fact-check, and respond swiftly to misinformation targeting security operations.
Similar initiatives have been held under “Exercise Fact Shield,” aimed at enhancing the Army’s media engagement capacity.
🏷️ Tags: Nigerian Army, Media Responsibility, National Security, Cyber Warfare, Army Public Relations
#ZigDiariesDefence #NigerianArmy #MediaResponsibility #NationalSecurity #InformationWarfare #COAS #Abuja
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