By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Armed Forces Have Intensified Efforts To Recalibrate Their Operational Strategy, Placing Renewed Emphasis On The Information Domain As A Critical Theatre In The Ongoing Fight Against Terrorism, Banditry And Other Asymmetric Threats Confronting The Country.
At A Press Briefing Detailing Operational Gains Recorded Over The Past Month, The Director Of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, Disclosed That The Military Is Deliberately Strengthening Its Communication Architecture To Close Existing Gaps In Information Management And Counter The Growing Sophistication Of Enemy Propaganda.
He Explained That Beyond Kinetic Operations On The Battlefield, The Military Now Recognizes The Strategic Importance Of Information Warfare, Noting That Adversaries Increasingly Exploit Misinformation And Disinformation To Undermine Public Confidence And Distort Operational Realities. According To Him, The Defence Headquarters Is Scaling Up Efforts To Dominate This Space Through Consistent Media Engagement And The Deliberate Projection Of Positive Narratives, Including Showcasing Community Support For Troops Across Various Theatres Of Operation.
“We Are Fully Aware Of The Power Of Misinformation,” He Said, Stressing That The Military Is Taking Proactive Steps To Stay Ahead Of False Narratives While Ensuring That Accurate And Timely Information Shapes Public Perception. He Added That The Goal Is To Defeat Adversaries Not Only Through Force Of Arms But Also By Controlling The Narrative Within The Information Ecosystem.
As Part Of This Strategic Shift, The Military Is Also Advancing A More People-Centric Approach To Operations, With A Deliberate Focus On Strengthening Civil-Military Relations. Major General Onoja Noted That Upcoming Activities Will Prioritize Deeper Engagement With Local Populations, Aimed At Building Trust, Enhancing Cooperation And Improving Intelligence Gathering At The Grassroots Level.
He Emphasized That Adherence To International Humanitarian Law Remains A Core Principle Guiding Military Conduct, Adding That Greater Transparency And Accountability Would Further Reinforce Public Confidence. By Fostering Closer Ties With Communities, The Military Believes It Can Weaken The Influence Of Hostile Information Campaigns While Simultaneously Improving The Quality Of Actionable Intelligence.
“The Nigerian Military Is Accountable To The People,” He Stated, Noting That Stronger Community Relations Would Play A Decisive Role In Neutralizing The Psychological And Informational Tactics Deployed By Insurgent And Criminal Groups.
On Ongoing Efforts To Track Down Notorious Bandit Leader Bello Turji, The Defence Spokesperson Reassured Nigerians That Sustained Pressure Is Being Maintained On His Network. He Expressed Confidence That Despite The Fugitive’s Evasive Tactics, His Eventual Capture Remains Inevitable.
“He Cannot Hide For Long. He Can’t Hide Forever,” Onoja Said, Affirming That The Military Remains Resolute In Its Pursuit And Will Capitalize On Any Opportunity To Bring Him To Justice.
