Fake News Affects Troops’ Morale, Undermines National Security – Army Chief

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen Waidi Shaibu, has warned that misinformation, fake news and malicious propaganda affect troops’ morale, undermine operational successes and erode public trust.

He also described the media as a powerful instrument for shaping public perception, influencing attitudes and fostering national unity.

The army chief, represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Women Corps Brig-Gen Igbawua Amatso, spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the Directorate of Army Public Relations/Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information Media Workshop 2025 with the theme “Navigating the Evolving Media Landscape: Enhancing Collaboration with Media Stakeholders through New Media”.

Gen. Shaibu said the theme was both timely and apt as it emphasises the pivotal role of communication, information management and strategic media engagement in today’s national security landscape.

The Army Chief stated that the workshop highlights the importance of the media as a powerful instrument for shaping public perception, influencing attitudes, and fostering national unity.

He said, “In today’s digital era, the immediacy and reach of new media platforms have transformed how information is shared, consumed, and interpreted.

For the Nigerian Army, this reality presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, new media enable us to tell our stories directly and transparently, projecting our values, professionalism, and commitment to national peace and security.

“Conversely, it exposes us to the dangers of misinformation, fake news and malicious propaganda that can affect troops’ morale, undermine operational successes and erode public trust,”.

He continued, “In an era where perception often shapes reality, the role of the media in countering misinformation, dispelling fake news and mobilising public support for military operations cannot be overstated,”.

He, therefore, stressed the need to continuously strengthen engagement with media stakeholders, whom he described as “critical partners” in shaping the public understanding of military activities within the framework of traditional security management.

This, he said, can be achieved through collaboration, understanding and professionalism.

“We can ensure that accurate and responsible reporting guides the public narrative, particularly during internal security operations and crises,”.

The COAS noted that as security challenges evolve, so too must strategies for managing information and shaping public perception.

“We must embrace the fact that public support is not optional, but a strategic necessity for all our operational efforts across theatres,”.

The Army Chief reminded participants that the workshop was not just a routine engagement but a strategic intervention, aimed at bridging communication gaps, fostering responsible reportage and institutionalising a framework for continuous Media-Military collaboration for national security.

In her welcome remarks, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt-Col Appolonia Anele, stated that the annual gathering had become an invaluable platform for professional exchange, capacity development, and strategic engagement between the Nigerian Army and its partners in the media industry, as well as members of academia.

Anele, represented by the Acting Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Public Relations (NASPRI ), Lt-Col Adamu Ngulde, said the theme captured the essence of the current reality, “an era where information travels faster than ever, and narratives can shape perceptions, influence public opinion and impact national security within moments,”.

She said the Nigerian Army, recognising the vital role of the media as partners in nation-building, pledges unflinching commitment to transparency, professionalism and responsible communication.

“The Nigerian Army depends on the media to convey accurate information about its operations, while the media relies on the Army for timely, factual and credible updates through platforms like this workshop. We will continue to build bridges of trust by engaging openly, demystifying military operations and enhancing transparency. By equipping our public relations officers and media partners with modern tools and knowledge, we promote responsible reporting and effective public communication in support of national security objectives.

She reiterated that the synergy between the military and the media was essential not only for effective public information management but also for sustaining public trust and confidence in our operatives.