The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has underscored the critical role of public support in the success of military operations, urging officers of the Nigerian Army Public Relations Corps to adopt effective communication strategies that would strengthen public trust and confidence in the Armed Forces. Speaking at the opening of the combined first and second quarters' media workshop in Abuja on Wednesday, the Army Chief said public backing had become indispensable to achieving military objectives in the country's evolving security landscape.
Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Shaibu addressed participants at the workshop organised by the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR), themed "Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success".
The event brought together military public relations officers, defence correspondents and other stakeholders to examine how strategic communication can enhance security operations.
According to the COAS, effective collaboration among security agencies, the media and other stakeholders is essential in addressing contemporary security challenges.
“Public support is not merely desirable; it is a strategic necessity for operational success. It enhances cooperation, strengthens public confidence and contributes significantly to the attainment of national security objectives,” he said.
Shaibu noted that the media's role has expanded beyond simply informing the public, describing it as a vital instrument for shaping public perception, countering hostile propaganda, promoting credible narratives and improving operational effectiveness.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting the nation's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, stating that the objective aligns with his command philosophy of building a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of operating effectively in joint and multi-agency environments.
“Central to this philosophy is the recognition that contemporary security challenges require synergy among security agencies and strong partnerships with key stakeholders, particularly the media,” he said.
The Army Chief also highlighted the military's recent successes in combating terrorism, banditry, economic sabotage and other criminal activities, attributing the achievements to stronger inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, coordinated planning and the dedication of personnel.
“I am pleased to state that the Nigerian Army continues to record significant operational successes across various theatres of operation. These achievements have been driven by enhanced inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, coordinated planning and the unwavering dedication of our officers and soldiers,” he said.
Despite the gains, Shaibu stressed that operational victories must be supported by effective communication strategies capable of shaping public understanding and countering false narratives.
“Accurate and timely dissemination of information is essential for projecting factual narratives, countering misinformation and reinforcing public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.
“A well-informed citizenry is more likely to support security efforts, thereby boosting troop morale and strengthening national resilience,” he added.
He further urged journalists and media practitioners to spotlight the sacrifices, courage and professionalism of military personnel serving in difficult and often dangerous conditions across the country.
“It must be recognised that today’s adversaries rely heavily on propaganda and information manipulation. When left unchecked, disinformation can be as damaging as a direct security threat,” he said.
In her remarks, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col Apollonia Anele, emphasised the increasing significance of the media in shaping public opinion and advancing national security objectives.
She observed that the information environment has become a major battleground in modern warfare, where perception, credibility and strategic communication often influence operational outcomes.
“The media space has become a critical domain in modern warfare and national security. Beyond the physical battlefield, public perception, information credibility and strategic narratives significantly influence operational outcomes, especially with the proliferation of social media and various forms of information disorder, including fake news and artificial intelligence-generated content,” Anele said.