The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has described strategic communication as a decisive element in modern security operations, warning that contemporary threats are increasingly contested in the information space as well as on the battlefield.
He was represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, at the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Combined First and Second Quarters Media Workshop 2026 in Abuja.
Shaibu said credible information management, public confidence and responsible media engagement are critical tools in shaping operational outcomes.
He stressed that the fight against terrorism, banditry, economic sabotage and other criminal threats requires a broader approach in which communication forms an integral part of operational effectiveness rather than an afterthought.
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The Army Chief noted that misinformation, disinformation and fake news have evolved into strategic challenges capable of undermining public trust, weakening national cohesion and creating opportunities for adversaries to manipulate narratives.
He stressed that the media now plays a critical role in shaping public understanding, countering hostile propaganda and strengthening the relationship between security institutions and citizens.
According to him, the changing nature of modern conflict means that military success is increasingly linked not only to battlefield capability but also to the ability to sustain legitimacy, trust and public support.
Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to transforming into a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of responding to evolving security threats within a joint and multi-agency framework.
He noted that complex security challenges cannot be addressed by any single institution, stressing the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies and strategic engagement with key stakeholders, particularly the media.
The Army Chief highlighted that ongoing operations continue to benefit from improved intelligence-sharing, inter-agency cooperation and coordinated planning across operational theatres.
In her welcome address, the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, described the workshop theme, “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success,” as a reflection of the growing importance of information management in national security.
Colonel Anele noted that the media environment has become a strategic space where emerging technologies, information disorder and digital platforms influence public perception and security narratives.
The Army spokesperson emphasised that an effective military-media partnership must be built on professionalism, transparency, mutual trust and a shared responsibility for national stability.
She added that the workshop was designed to strengthen the capacity of officers and defence correspondents in strategic communication, contemporary media engagement and responsible security reporting.
As security threats continue to evolve, the information environment has become a critical domain requiring the same level of strategic attention as traditional operational spaces.
