Nigeria’s military is moving to redefine strategic communications by calling on officers to become “military-ready, media-ready and AI-aware”, while urging closer collaboration between the armed forces and defence correspondents to combat misinformation and improve national security reporting.
The Director of Defence Information, Major General S.M. Uba, made the call while delivering closing remarks at a strategic communications engagement involving military public relations officers, defence correspondents and security communication experts.
Uba said the evolving security landscape demands that every military officer—not only public relations personnel—develop the capacity to engage effectively with the media while understanding the growing influence of artificial intelligence on information warfare.
“Every commander, every military officer in modern times must be military-ready, media-ready and AI-aware,” he said. “You must have the training, the equipment, the knowledge and the ability to communicate effectively.”
He explained that military readiness extends beyond battlefield competence to include strategic communication, describing the media as a critical partner in shaping public understanding of security operations.
Acknowledging concerns raised by journalists during the interactive session, Uba admitted that communication between military spokespersons and defence correspondents requires improvement.
He said journalists often receive calls only when controversial reports emerge, while positive coverage rarely attracts the same level of engagement.
“The relationship between the military and the media is a two-way process,” he said. “The military needs coverage, while journalists need credible information. We must strengthen that relationship because simple communication can prevent misinformation before it spreads.”
The defence information chief encouraged military formations to regularly involve defence correspondents in official programmes, workshops and professional engagements to deepen mutual understanding and build trust.
Uba also called for expanded professional training for journalists covering defence and security, saying effective reporting on military affairs requires specialised knowledge.
He noted that many defence correspondents have accumulated years of experience and possess deep understanding of military operations, making continuous professional development essential.
According to him, journalists should complement their experience through self-development, military workshops and specialised courses organised by the armed forces and defence institutions.
He revealed plans to explore customised media training programmes within flagship courses at military institutions, including the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, where journalists could participate in practical exercises alongside military officers.
Highlighting the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digital technology, Uba urged military personnel to embrace emerging AI tools while remaining vigilant against misinformation and fake news circulating online.
He said military communicators should focus on correcting false narratives rather than becoming distracted by political debates surrounding social media content.
“When false information is published about your organisation, address the facts, clarify the issues and move on,” he said.
He added that government agencies were exploring broader national approaches to tackling online misinformation rather than relying solely on legal action against offenders.
The Director of Defence Information also appealed to journalists to exercise restraint when reporting sensitive military operations, warning that excessive disclosure could endanger lives and compromise ongoing missions.
Using the example of recent high-profile abduction cases involving military personnel, Uba argued that publishing detailed personal information about victims before rescue efforts are completed could inadvertently assist kidnappers.
“Certain releases cannot be made because they will jeopardise ongoing operations,” he said. “National security must sometimes take precedence over the race to break the news.”
He urged editors and defence correspondents to balance the public’s right to information with operational security considerations.
Uba concluded by reminding journalists that the armed forces exist to serve the Nigerian people and called on the media to see itself as a stakeholder in national security.
“The military is a tool of the nation, and journalists are the Fourth Estate,” he said. “Take ownership of the armed forces because what the military is doing is ultimately for the nation.”
He thanked participants, guest lecturers and defence correspondents for their continued support, expressing optimism that stronger collaboration between the military and the media would enhance public confidence, improve responsible reporting and strengthen Nigeria’s response to evolving security challenges.
