Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on media professionals to take a frontline role in combating misinformation and disinformation, describing information dominance as a critical component of national security and military success.
Speaking at the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Combined First and Second Quarter Media Workshop 2026 on Tuesday at the Army War College Nigeria, Shaibu said strategic communication has become an indispensable force multiplier in modern military operations.
“In today’s complex information environment, where perception often shapes reality, the media remains a vital partner in shaping credible narratives, strengthening public confidence and denying adversaries the opportunity to exploit information gaps,” he said.
Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, the Army Chief stressed that sustained engagement with the media and the public is now a strategic necessity across all theatres of operation. He noted that transparent, timely and proactive communication enhances institutional credibility, builds public trust and reinforces Nigeria’s broader national security architecture.
The workshop brought together senior military officers, retired generals, major generals, brigadier generals, colonels, media practitioners and other stakeholders to deliberate on the evolving role of strategic communication in addressing contemporary security challenges.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of books by media and communication scholar Dr Walter Duru and Professor Abdullahi. The publications underscored the pivotal role of the media, not only in informing society but also as a strategic instrument in supporting national efforts to counter insurgency, confront misinformation and promote peace and stability.
The workshop is expected to strengthen collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the media while advancing more effective communication strategies in support of ongoing security operations across the country.
