The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has stressed the importance of public support in achieving military objectives, urging officers of the Nigerian Army Public Relations Corps to develop effective communication strategies that will strengthen public trust and confidence in the Armed Forces.
Speaking on Tuesday at the opening of the Combined First and Second Quarters Media Workshop in Abuja, organised by the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR), the COAS said public support remains a strategic necessity for operational success in today's complex security environment.
The workshop, themed “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success,†brought together military public relations officers, defence correspondents and other stakeholders to explore the role of strategic communication in enhancing security operations.
According to the Army Chief, contemporary security challenges require stronger collaboration among security agencies, the media and other critical stakeholders.
“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.
Lt.-Gen. Shaibu, who was represented by the Chief of Civil Military Relations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, noted that the media has evolved beyond its traditional role of informing the public and now serves as a critical tool for shaping perceptions, countering adversarial propaganda, projecting credible narratives and enhancing operational effectiveness.
He said the Nigerian Army remains committed to its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the nation's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, adding that the commitment aligns with his Command Philosophy of building a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of operating effectively within a joint and multi-agency environment.
“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 COAS highlighted the military's ongoing successes against terrorists, bandits, economic saboteurs and other criminal elements, attributing the achievements to improved inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, coordinated planning and the dedication of officers and soldiers.
“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.
However, he emphasised that battlefield successes must be complemented by effective strategic communication.
“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.
The COAS also called on media practitioners to highlight the sacrifices, gallantry and professionalism of military personnel serving under difficult conditions across the country.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Apollonia Anele, underscored the growing importance of the media in shaping public perception and supporting national security efforts.
She noted that the information space has become a critical domain in modern warfare, where public perception, information credibility and strategic narratives significantly 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,†she said.
According to Anele, the partnership between the military and the media has never been more important, as media organisations play a vital role in informing the public, promoting national cohesion, countering misinformation and disinformation, and fostering confidence in the nation's security institutions.
She said the Nigerian Army, under its current leadership, is undergoing deliberate reforms aimed at strengthening human resource development and enhancing operational readiness to effectively address emerging security threats.
“As these transformational efforts continue, the role of the media becomes even more critical. It is therefore imperative that accurate, balanced and responsible reporting complements national security efforts by highlighting progress made, promoting public understanding and denying hostile elements opportunities to exploit misinformation,†she said.
Anele described the workshop as a “valuable platform†for strengthening collaboration between the military, media organisations and other stakeholders in the pursuit of a safer and more secure Nigeria.
She added that the programme was designed to facilitate robust discussions, exchange of ideas and capacity building for military public relations officers and defence correspondents on contemporary media engagement techniques and strategic communication.
She urged participants to actively engage in the interactive sessions, share experiences and explore innovative approaches to enhancing media integration as a force multiplier in joint and multi-agency operations.
