The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, says responsible media reporting is vital to operational success as the battle for hearts and minds is as important as the battle in the field.
General Oluyede stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while declaring open the Directorate of Army Public Relations’ Combined Third and Fourth Quarters Media Training Seminar at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre.
Speaking at the seminar with the theme: “Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security,” he said the perception of the Nigerian Army, and indeed of all security agencies, is largely shaped by the narratives carried in the media space.
To this end, General Oluyede who was represented by the Commander Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command Major General Mohammed Abdullahi laid emphasis on responsible Media reportage as a key enabler of troops operational successes against insecurity by countering terrorists propaganda and misinformation and their attempt to disrupt the peace of the nation.
“This seminar underscores the vital role of accountability, balance, and responsibility in the reportage of military operations, particularly in a joint environment where collaboration among security agencies is indispensable, the rise of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the speed and reach of information, both genuine and false have multiplied,” General Oluyede said.
The Army Chief noted that fake news, manipulated images, and deepfakes now pose real threats to national cohesion and operational integrity.
He reiterated that “the Nigerian Army will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibility of defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation.
“Therefore, our collective task is not only to counter misinformation but to ensure that truth and verified facts dominate public discourse.
“However, we must recognize that victory today is not won solely on the battlefield. Increasingly, it is fought in the information domain, where narratives, perceptions, and public confidence are decisive.”
The Army Chief said; “This is why synergy between the Army and the media is not a matter of convenience but a strategic imperative. The media remains a vital partner in shaping public understanding, mobilising national support, and highlighting the sacrifices and gallantry of our troops who defend our country daily.”
“It is our collective duty to ensure that the stories of our men and women in uniform are told accurately, respectfully, and in a way that strengthens the bond between the Armed Forces and the people we serve,” he added.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, emphasised that modern warfare is not fought solely with weapons but also in the information domain.
She highlighted hybrid threats, disinformation campaigns, and Artificial Intelligence-driven fake content being weaponised to erode public confidence, discredit institutions, and demoralise security forces.
To address these challenges, Anele urged media practitioners to consistently counter falsehoods with verified facts, replace propaganda with truth, and ensure that the Nigerian public is accurately informed.
She also called for professionalism, ethics, and patriotism among all media stakeholders.
“This seminar is a call to action for all stakeholders in the information space to deliberate and brainstorm on the dynamics of the evolving media landscape. It also provides an avenue to reflect on the growing need for accurate, responsible, and strategic reportage of Nigerian Army operations to deepen synergy between the Army and the media in the collective pursuit of national security,” she said.
According to her, the gathering aims to shape narratives, mobilise public support, counter misinformation, and ultimately influence the success of security operations.
She further stressed that the media is not just a bystander but a strategic partner in national security.
“In today’s dynamic security environment, the role of the media goes beyond reporting events. It extends to shaping public perception, rallying national support, countering misinformation, and influencing the outcome of military operations. With the advent of Artificial Intelligence and the rapid spread of information through digital platforms, narratives can be manipulated within seconds,” she said.
“Fake news, doctored images, and deepfakes now pose as much threat as enemy propaganda on the battlefield. This reality underscores why fact-checking, verification, and responsible journalism have become indispensable to both national security and public trust,” Anele added.