The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba has called for enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, improved media intelligence, and stronger regulatory frameworks to address the challenges of misinformation and digital communication in contemporary security operations.
General Uba made the call while closing the Combined First and Second Quarters Media Workshop 2026, organised by the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) in Abuja.
The workshop focused on enhancing communication strategies in an increasingly digital and information-driven environment.
Reflecting on a lecture titled “Building Trust in the Digital Age: Navigating Multimedia Relations and Artificial Intelligence Challenges in Joint and Multi-Agency Operations”, delivered by media analyst Mr Job David Ayuba, the Defence Information Director identified three key takeaways: building AI literacy, developing media intelligence, and enforcing appropriate regulations.
He said that “the rapid growth of social media and citizen journalism has created significant challenges for information management, stressing that virtually anyone with a smartphone can now generate and disseminate content, regardless of its accuracy or impact”.
According to him, regulating the digital space remains a major concern for security agencies.
He revealed that the military is exploring partnerships with relevant institutions, including the Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police Force, to strengthen compliance with existing laws and address the spread of harmful misinformation.
Major General Uba also advocated proactive engagement with social media users and content creators, arguing that educating individuals on responsible information sharing could help reduce the circulation of false narratives and encourage more accurate reporting.
On military-media relations, he stressed the importance of maintaining continuous and healthy engagement with defence correspondents beyond periods of crisis or official announcements.
He noted that sustained interaction fosters mutual understanding, credibility, and trust between security institutions and journalists.
The Defence Information Director further underscored the need for military personnel and communication professionals to become “battle-ready, media-ready, and AI-aware”, describing these competencies as essential requirements for effective operations and strategic communication in the modern era.
He observed that many military personnel still lack sufficient awareness of emerging digital communication tools and platforms, citing recent experiences that highlighted the growing influence of social media channels in information dissemination and public engagement.
Major General Uba commended defence correspondents for their professionalism, maturity, and commitment to accurate reporting, while urging both journalists and military public relations officers to strengthen collaboration.
He said, “Such partnerships are critical to shaping informed narratives, countering misinformation, and enhancing public confidence in the Armed Forces and other security institutions.”
 literacy, improved media intelligence, and stronger regulatory frameworks to address the challenges of misinformation and digital communication in contemporary security operations.){kind=link}