Abuja: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has emphasized that public support is crucial for the success of Nigerian Army operations across the country. Oluyede made this statement during the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations' combined Third and Fourth Quarters Media Training Seminar in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the seminar, themed 'Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security,' highlighted the importance of responsible and balanced media reportage. Represented by the Commander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Abdullahi, the COAS stressed that modern warfare extends beyond the battlefield into the information domain, where public perception and confidence play a significant role in determining strategic outcomes.
Oluyede pointed out that accurate information dissemination and public perception are critical to operational effectiveness. He emphasized the importance of synergy between the military and the media, stating that it is a strategic imperative rather than an option. He encouraged participants to use the training to enhance their skills in conflict-sensitive reporting, defense communication, and fact-based storytelling.
Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, remarked that the seminar aims to strengthen military-media synergy and promote responsible reporting that supports national security objectives. She highlighted the threats posed by misinformation, fake news, and artificial intelligence-driven disinformation in today's security environment. Anele reiterated the Directorate's commitment to providing timely and credible information to the media while safeguarding national security interests.
In his lecture, Alli Hakeem, a former Editor-in-Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), called for closer collaboration between the media and the military to enhance national security. He urged the military to be proactive in releasing information to prevent speculation and fake news.
The seminar participants included representatives from the Public Relations Directorate of the Army, Navy, Air Force, other security agencies, and defense correspondents.