The Armed Forces of Nigeria are placing psychological and influence operations at the centre of efforts to prevent conflict, counter misinformation and strengthen national resilience, signalling a broader security approach that combines strategic communication with military operations to address emerging threats.


Desk: Defence
Date: Friday, 24 July 2026
Time: 18:50 WAT
Location: Abuja, Nigeria


The outcome was announced at the conclusion of a two-day Psychological Operations Workshop in Abuja, where defence leaders and national stakeholders adopted measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria's resilience through coordinated influence operations.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba on Friday, 25  

Addressing the participants, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede said national resilience can only be achieved through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach involving security agencies, government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media and local communities.

Speaking on the theme, "Building National Resilience: The Role of Influence Operations in Conflict Prevention and Stabilization," the Defence Chief who was represented by the Chief of Defence Training, Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, said influence operations have become increasingly important in addressing the root causes of conflict, countering misinformation and disinformation, strengthening public confidence in state institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence across the country.

The workshop also highlighted the growing importance of credible public communication in national security. Representing the Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Dr Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, the Director of News, Hajiya Halima Musa, stressed that strategic communication remains essential for countering hostile narratives and preserving national unity.

Similarly, the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, emphasised that sustainable peace depends on credible communication, effective public engagement and stronger collaboration among national stakeholders, describing influence operations as a critical tool for building trust, cohesion and resilience.

According to Defence Headquarters, participants drawn from the Armed Forces, intelligence and security agencies, government institutions, academia, civil society organisations and the media adopted recommendations calling for stronger inter-agency collaboration, institutional capacity building, enhanced public engagement and the integration of influence operations into Nigeria's conflict prevention and stabilisation framework.

The workshop concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to sustaining coordinated efforts against misinformation, preventing violent extremism, strengthening confidence in public institutions and supporting lasting peace, national unity and sustainable development.


🏷️ Tags: Defence Headquarters, Chief of Defence Staff, Psychological Operations, Influence Operations, Strategic Communication, National Resilience, Conflict Prevention, Armed Forces of Nigeria

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