COAS Charges Media to Counter Fake News, Dominate Information Space for National Security
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has tasked media professionals to take the lead in countering misinformation and fake news, stressing that dominance of the information space is crucial to strengthening national security and achieving operational success.
Speaking at the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Combined First and Second Quarter Media Workshop 2026 held at the Army War College Nigeria on Tuesday, the Army Chief described strategic communication as a critical force multiplier in contemporary military operations. He noted that in today’s complex information environment, where perception often shapes reality, the media plays a vital role in shaping public narratives, building confidence and denying adversaries the opportunity to exploit information gaps.
Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasized that sustained media engagement and public support have become strategic imperatives across all theatres of operation. He stated that transparent and proactive communication enhances institutional credibility, fosters public trust and strengthens the nation’s overall security architecture.
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Addressing the workshop theme, “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success,” the COAS described the event as timely and forward-looking. He said the workshop provides a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, adopt global best practices in conflict-sensitive reporting and develop coordinated strategies for combating misinformation and disinformation.
He also highlighted the operational gains achieved through enhanced inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing and unified planning, stressing that such successes must be effectively communicated to prevent adversaries from distorting operational realities.
Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order. He commended the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, for her leadership in organizing the workshop and advancing the Army’s strategic communication capabilities.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and strategic guidance towards enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
Earlier, the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, underscored the importance of the workshop in addressing emerging security challenges within the information domain. She warned that fake news, misinformation, disinformation and Artificial Intelligence-generated content now pose significant threats to national security.
According to her, stronger collaboration between the military and the media is essential for ensuring accurate information dissemination, promoting national cohesion and preventing hostile actors from exploiting the information space for destabilizing purposes.