By Bavoriat Clara
The Armed Forces of Nigeria Radio, 107.7 FM, has been described as an indispensable strategic communications tool in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insurgency and insecurity, as it marked its 10th anniversary with a commemorative event in Abuja.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Defence, Dr. Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, praised the station for its consistent efforts in amplifying military operations and strengthening civil-military relations.
According to the minister, the establishment of Armed Forces Radio in 2015 was a bold step by the military high command to create a reliable, professional, and purpose-driven communications channel that would not only inform the public but also serve as a morale booster for troops, a companion in times of national distress, and a platform for unity.
“This is not merely a celebration of time past, but of a mission fulfilled, voices amplified, and a vital bridge between the armed forces and the people we serve,” Dr. Badaru stated.
He said that in today’s complex information environment characterized by misinformation, propaganda, and psychological warfare the Armed Forces Radio has grown from a modest initiative into a frontline asset, directly supporting military operations and shaping public perception in favor of national security.
“For 10 years, this station has done more than report the news it has told the stories of courage, sacrifice, and service with dignity. It has comforted families of soldiers, brought clarity to the public amidst fear, and strengthened national unity,” he said.
He noted that through innovative programming, multi-platform integration, and community engagement, the station has extended its reach across Nigeria connecting with youth, engaging the diaspora, and countering extremist narratives.
Dr. Badaru commended the broadcasters and technical staff of 107.7 FM for their creativity, discipline, and professionalism in carrying the voice of the military to every corner of Nigeria.
“You have taken this platform from just a transmitter to a movement. Your work proves that words can be as powerful as weapons when used with truth, discipline, and patriotism,” he said.
He urged the management of the station not to rest on its accomplishments but to aim higher in the next decade by embracing deeper digital integration, expanding language inclusivity, and engaging directly with the grassroots, veterans, and communities whose voices deserve to be heard.
On his part, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, commended the vision behind the establishment of Armed Forces Radio, describing it as a key player in the information warfare space.
The CDS said the radio station has become a central pillar in national security strategy. noting that the station plays a dual role bridging the information gap between the military and civilians, while also shaping strategic narratives in conflict zones.
“Our enemies use propaganda to create fear, confusion, and division. But with platforms like the Armed Forces Radio, we are reclaiming the narrative, restoring confidence, and reinforcing the credibility of our operations,” he said.
General Musa applauded the leadership of the Defence Headquarters, the Department of Civil-Military Affairs, and all personnel involved in sustaining the station’s operations and driving innovation.
He added that the Armed Forces Radio has proven that strategic communication is as critical to victory as boots on the ground.
In a keynote lecture titled “The Role of Broadcasting in Counter-Insurgency Operations: The Armed Forces of Nigeria Radio Service in Perspective,” Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, emphasized that modern insurgency is a psychological battle as much as it is physical.
He noted that insurgents rely on fear and propaganda to control narratives and attract sympathizers, and thus, broadcasting becomes a crucial tool for countering such influence.
Professor Adeniyi lauded the Armed Forces Radio for its use of psychological operations, multi-language broadcasting, and community-focused content to build public trust and counter radical messaging. He encouraged the military to invest further in media literacy, expand the station’s reach to remote and underserved regions, and involve local communities in shaping security communications.
He also stressed the need to integrate strategic communication into military training curricula and planning processes, describing Armed Forces Radio as a “case study in successful military-media synergy.
”The event also featured goodwill messages from top defence officials, stakeholders in the media, and civil society, all of whom praised the station’s achievements over the past decade.
Armed Forces Radio, 107.7 FM, was officially established on 22nd May 2015 as part of efforts to strengthen the Armed Forces’ public engagement capability and improve national security messaging. Since its inception, it has broadcast in English and local languages, hosted public dialogue programmes, supported internal security operations, and served as a morale-boosting platform for personnel and their families.
As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, speakers at the event reaffirmed that the station is not just a radio frequency it is a symbol of unity, national resilience, and the power of communication in safeguarding Nigeria’s future.