The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appollonia Anele has emphasised the growing importance of artificial intelligence and media integration in modern military operations, describing them as critical tools for enhancing operational effectiveness, strategic communication, and national security outcomes.
Colonel stated this while delivering her closing remarks at the Combined First and Second Quarters Directorate of Army Public Relations Media Workshop 2026 in Abuja.
The workshop, themed “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success,” brought together military personnel, media practitioners, and security stakeholders to examine the evolving role of strategic communication in addressing contemporary security challenges.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Colonel Anele said that “the workshop had been both timely and strategic, providing participants with valuable insights into the realities of today’s complex security environment and the need for stronger collaboration between the military and the media”.
She identified discussions on artificial intelligence as one of the major highlights of the seminar, stressing that AI-driven tools are becoming increasingly relevant in information management, audience analysis, and rapid response communication.
According to her, the insights shared during the workshop underscored the need for the Nigerian Army and its partners to remain adaptive, innovative, and technologically aligned in an era where speed, accuracy, and influence significantly shape outcomes in the information space.
Colonel Anele stated that artificial intelligence is no longer a luxury but a strategic necessity, adding that its integration into media operations would enhance the ability of security agencies to effectively communicate, counter misinformation, and engage with the public in real time.
She also highlighted the importance of media operations in shaping narratives and supporting military objectives, noting that effective media engagement can counter adversarial propaganda, build public confidence, and strengthen the legitimacy of military operations.
The Acting Director explained that the concept of media as a force multiplier resonated strongly throughout the workshop, emphasising that while firepower and manoeuvre determine success on the battlefield, strategic communication plays a vital role in influencing perceptions and achieving success in the cognitive domain.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to its constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Colonel Anele stressed that success in modern operations requires synergy among the armed services, security agencies, and media organisations.
She described journalists and media practitioners as critical stakeholders in national security, urging participants to apply the lessons learned from the workshop by promoting professionalism, accuracy, and responsibility in all engagements while denying adversaries the advantage of misinformation.
Colonel Anele expressed appreciation to resource persons, media partners, participants, and other stakeholders whose contributions ensured the success of the workshop.
She charged attendees to remain ambassadors of truth and champions of ethical standards before formally declaring the Combined First and Second Quarters Directorate of Army Public Relations Media Workshop 2026 closed.
