Media, Public Support Key to Military Success, Says COAS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger public support and enhanced collaboration with the media as critical enablers for the success of ongoing military operations across the country.
He made the call on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Abuja at the opening of the Combined First and Second Quarters Media Workshop organised by the Directorate of Army Public Relations, themed: “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success.”
The Army Chief, who was represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, said the evolving security environment required deeper synergy between the military, media, and other stakeholders in order to effectively counter emerging threats and sustain operational gains.
He noted that in contemporary security operations, public perception plays a critical role in shaping outcomes, stressing that misinformation, disinformation, and fake news have become major threats to national security.
According to him, “in an era where perception often shapes reality, the role of the media in countering misinformation, disinformation and fake news, as well as mobilising public support for security operations, cannot be overstated.”
The COAS maintained that public support was not optional but a strategic necessity for successful military operations, adding that cooperation from citizens enhances trust, strengthens morale among troops, and improves overall operational effectiveness.
He explained that the Nigerian Army remained committed to its constitutional responsibility of defending the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also undergoing continuous transformation to become more professional, adaptable, and combat-ready within a joint operational framework.
The Army Chief further emphasized that no single security institution could effectively address Nigeria’s complex security challenges alone, underscoring the importance of inter-agency collaboration and strategic partnerships with the media.
He described the workshop theme as timely, noting that media integration had become indispensable not only for information dissemination but also for shaping credible narratives and countering adversarial propaganda.
The COAS also urged media practitioners to highlight the sacrifices, gallantry, and professionalism of troops operating in difficult conditions, while maintaining accuracy and responsibility in their reporting.
He cautioned that adversaries increasingly rely on propaganda and information manipulation, warning that unchecked misinformation could undermine public confidence and national security efforts.
In her opening remarks, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, welcomed participants to the workshop and described the engagement as a strategic platform for strengthening military-media relations in the face of evolving security challenges.
She said the theme of the workshop reflected the reality of modern warfare, where information and perception management are as critical as kinetic operations on the battlefield.
Colonel Anele noted that the Nigerian Army, under the leadership of the COAS, was undergoing deliberate transformation aimed at enhancing operational readiness, personnel development, and the integration of modern technology into military operations.
She added that the media remains a key stakeholder in national security, particularly in promoting public understanding, countering misinformation, and fostering national cohesion.
The workshop brought together senior military officers, media executives, communication experts, and other stakeholders, aimed at strengthening collaboration and developing strategies for improved information management in support of national security objectives.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with the media and the public, stressing that effective communication remains essential to sustaining trust, enhancing transparency, and supporting ongoing security operations across the country.
By TimesNG