Fake News, Propaganda Threaten National Security, Army Chief Calls for Stronger Media Collaboration
By Rita Onuoha
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has identified fake news, propaganda, and the pursuit of narrow interests by some individuals as significant threats to Nigeria's national security, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between the military and the media to counter misinformation.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Combined First and Second Quarters Media Workshop in Abuja, the COAS said false narratives and psychological operations have become powerful tools used by adversaries to undermine public confidence and national stability.
Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that the evolving security environment requires strategic communication alongside military operations to effectively address emerging threats.
He explained that modern security challenges extend beyond the battlefield, with misinformation campaigns capable of influencing public perception and weakening support for security institutions.
According to the Army Chief, effective media engagement has become a force multiplier in joint and multi-agency operations, emphasizing that adversaries increasingly rely on propaganda and information manipulation to achieve their objectives.
"When left unchecked, disinformation can be as damaging as a direct security threat," he stated, urging media professionals and security stakeholders to work together in promoting accurate and responsible reporting.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described the workshop's theme, "Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success," as both timely and strategic, given the country's contemporary security challenges.
He observed that the media's role has evolved beyond simply informing the public to becoming a critical instrument for shaping public perception, projecting credible narratives, and countering hostile propaganda.
The COAS expressed confidence that the workshop would provide participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas, adopt best practices in conflict-sensitive reporting, and develop effective strategies for tackling misinformation and psychological warfare.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Army's constitutional mandate, he said 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 security framework.
He further disclosed that the Army has continued to record operational successes across various theatres through enhanced inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and coordinated planning.
According to him, these operational achievements must be complemented by effective strategic communication that delivers accurate information, counters false narratives, and strengthens public trust in the nation's security institutions.
He added that a well-informed citizenry is more likely to support national security efforts, boost troop morale, and contribute to the country's overall resilience.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also urged media practitioners to continue highlighting the sacrifices, professionalism, and gallantry of troops serving under challenging conditions in defence of the nation.
He commended the Directorate of Army Public Relations for organizing the workshop and encouraged participants to engage actively in discussions aimed at strengthening media operations in support of national security objectives.
The Army Chief equally expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces.
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