By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to strengthening media relations as a strategic tool for enhancing national security, countering misinformation, and building public trust.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Combined Third and Fourth Quarters Media Training Seminar 2025, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi.O. Oluyede, represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General Mohammed Tanimu Abdullahi, said the seminar underscores the Army’s resolve to deepen synergy with the media in promoting responsible reportage of military operations.
The event, organized by the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR), has as its theme “Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of the Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security.”
In his remarks, Major General Abdullahi emphasized that the role of the media in modern warfare extends beyond reporting events to shaping narratives, mobilizing public support, and influencing the outcomes of security operations. He noted that public perception plays a critical role in sustaining the morale of troops and ensuring national unity.
“Victory is not won on the battlefield alone,” he stated. “It is also fought in the information domain, where propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation are used to undermine public confidence and weaken national resolve. It is imperative that we win this battle through accurate, balanced, and responsible reportage.”
He further called for a collective effort between the military and the media to counter fake news, propaganda, and the misuse of artificial intelligence in spreading false narratives capable of jeopardizing national security.
The Army Chief noted that the seminar would provide a platform for officers, defense correspondents, and media practitioners to exchange ideas, adopt best practices in conflict-sensitive reporting, and foster effective collaboration in communicating the Army’s operational successes.
Also speaking, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, described the training as a vital engagement aimed at reinforcing military-media synergy in support of national security efforts. She highlighted the increasing importance of fact-checking, ethical reporting, and digital literacy in countering misinformation in today’s evolving information environment.
“The media is not a bystander but a strategic partner in securing our nation,” she said. “Our duty is not only to inform but to ensure that narratives surrounding military operations are accurate, constructive, and supportive of national unity.”
She expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for his continuous support of DAPR’s initiatives to promote professionalism, enhance operational communication, and strengthen trust between the Army and the Nigerian public.
The training seminar brought together senior officers, former directors of Army Public Relations, spokespersons from sister security agencies, media executives, and defense correspondents. Participants are expected to explore innovative approaches to responsible reporting and develop frameworks for sustained collaboration between the military and the media in safeguarding Nigeria’s peace and stability.
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