By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has underscored the importance of media integration in enhancing the effectiveness of joint and multi-agency security operations, stressing that public support remains a strategic necessity in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other emerging security threats across the country.
Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, the COAS stated this on Tuesday at the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Combined First and Second Quarters Media Workshop 2026 held at the TYB Hall, Army War College Nigeria, Asokoro, Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success,” Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that the contemporary security environment has made effective collaboration between security institutions and the media indispensable.
“In an era where perception often shapes reality, the role of the media in countering misinformation, disinformation and fake news, as well as mobilising public support for security operations, cannot be overstated,” he said.
The Army Chief explained that the successes being recorded against terrorists, bandits, economic saboteurs and other criminal elements further highlighted the need for sustained and responsible media engagement.
“Public support is not merely desirable; it is a strategic necessity for operational success. It enhances cooperation, strengthens public confidence and contributes significantly to the attainment of national security objectives,” he added.
According to him, the media has evolved beyond its traditional role of information dissemination to become a critical instrument for shaping perceptions, countering adversarial propaganda, projecting credible narratives and enhancing operational effectiveness.
Lieutenant General Shaibu stated that operational successes achieved by the Nigerian Army and other security agencies through improved intelligence sharing, coordinated planning and inter-agency cooperation must be complemented by effective strategic communication.
“Accurate and timely dissemination of information is essential for projecting factual narratives, countering misinformation and reinforcing public confidence in the nation’s security institutions. A well-informed citizenry is more likely to support security efforts, thereby boosting troop morale and strengthening national resilience,” he said.
The COAS also urged media practitioners to continue highlighting the sacrifices, gallantry and professionalism of troops serving under difficult conditions across various theatres of operation, warning that disinformation and propaganda remain potent tools employed by adversaries to undermine national security efforts.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Nigeria, noting that his command philosophy is focused on building a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of operating effectively within a joint and multi-agency environment.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu Anele, described the workshop theme as strategic and deliberate, given the evolving nature of modern security challenges and the growing influence of information operations in contemporary warfare.
Colonel Anele observed that the media space has become a critical domain in national security, where public perception, information credibility and strategic narratives increasingly shape operational outcomes.
“Beyond the physical battlefield, public perception, information credibility and strategic narratives significantly influence operational outcomes, especially with the proliferation of social media space with various forms of information disorders such as fake news and Artificial Intelligence-generated content,” he said.
The DAPR Director noted that under the leadership of Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Nigerian Army is implementing transformational initiatives aimed at strengthening human resource development, enhancing operational readiness, expanding training infrastructure and integrating modern technology into military operations.
He stressed that as the Army continues to modernise and adapt to emerging threats, the media’s role in providing accurate, balanced and responsible reporting becomes even more critical to national security efforts.
Colonel Anele further described the workshop as a platform for strengthening collaboration between the military, media organisations and other stakeholders, while facilitating knowledge sharing and capacity development in strategic communication and contemporary media engagement.
He expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for his support towards personnel development, modernisation and strategic communication initiatives, which he said have significantly repositioned the Nigerian Army to meet contemporary security challenges and improve engagement with the public.
The workshop brought together senior military officers, media executives, communication professionals, defence correspondents, retired officers, resource persons and stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening military-media relations and enhancing media support for joint and multi-agency operations.
