Army Chief Wants Media To Counter Terrorists’ Propaganda

Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Olufemi Oluyede, has declared that responsible media reportage will enhance troops’ operational successes against insurgents.

This, he said, is by countering terrorists’ propaganda and misinformation scheme in their attempt to disturb the peace of the nation.

The COAS stated this in Abuja yesterday at the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations’ Combined Third and Fourth Quarters Media Training Seminar, which had the theme “Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security.”

Gen. Oluyede, who was represented by the commander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General Mohammed Abdullahi, said the seminar underscored 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.

He said, “In an era where the battle for hearts and minds is as critical as the battle in the field, responsible media reportage has become a key enabler of operational success. The perception of the Nigerian Army, and indeed of all security agencies, is largely shaped by the narratives carried in the media space.”

He said with the rise of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the speed and reach of genuine and false information have multiplied.

The army chief noted that fake news, manipulated images, and deepfakes now pose real threats to national cohesion and operational integrity.

“Therefore, our collective task is not only to counter misinformation but to ensure that truth and verified facts dominate public discourse,” he added.

He reiterated that the Nigerian Army will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibility of defending the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“However, we must recognise 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.

In her welcome remarks, the acting director of Army Public Relations, Lt-Col Appolonia Anele, said the gathering was aimed at shaping narratives, mobilising public support, countering misinformation and ultimately influencing the success of operations undertaken by the security agencies.

“It is a call to action for all stakeholders in the information space to deliberate and brainstorm on the dynamics of the evolving media space. It is also an avenue to reflect on the growing need for accurate, responsible and strategic reportage of the Nigerian Army operations to deepen the synergy between the Nigerian Army and the media in the collective pursuit of national security,” she said.

She said today’s media is not a bystander but a strategic partner in securing the nation.