Information Warfare Now Central to Security Operations ~Army Chief
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has declared that strategic communication has become a critical weapon in modern warfare, warning that today’s security threats are fought not only on the battlefield but also in the information space where misinformation, propaganda and fake news can undermine national security.
The Army Chief made the assertion at the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Combined First and Second Quarters Media Workshop 2026 held in Abuja, where he emphasized that effective communication, public trust and responsible media engagement are now indispensable components of successful military operations.
Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Lieutenant General Shaibu said the evolving nature of security challenges requires a comprehensive approach that integrates information management into operational planning and execution.
According to him, the fight against terrorism, banditry, economic sabotage and other forms of criminality can no longer rely solely on kinetic operations, as hostile actors increasingly exploit digital platforms and information channels to spread false narratives and erode public confidence.
“The contemporary security environment is increasingly contested in both the physical and information domains. Credible information management, public confidence and responsible media engagement have become decisive factors in shaping operational outcomes,” he said.
The Army Chief cautioned that misinformation, disinformation and fake news have emerged as strategic threats capable of weakening national cohesion, damaging public trust in institutions and creating opportunities for adversaries to manipulate public perception.
He noted that the media has become a vital partner in national security efforts through its role in informing the public, countering hostile propaganda and strengthening the relationship between security agencies and citizens.
“Military success today is measured not only by battlefield victories but also by the ability to sustain legitimacy, trust and public support,” Shaibu stated.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ongoing reforms, the COAS said the institution remains focused on building a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of responding effectively to emerging security challenges through joint and multi-agency operations.
He stressed that no single institution can address the country’s complex security threats alone, highlighting the importance of enhanced collaboration among security agencies, government institutions and the media.
The Army Chief further disclosed that ongoing military operations across various theatres have continued to record progress through improved intelligence sharing, coordinated planning and stronger inter-agency cooperation.
Earlier, the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, described the workshop theme, “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success,” as timely and relevant given the rapidly changing information landscape.
She observed that emerging technologies, digital platforms and information disorder have transformed the media environment into a strategic battleground that significantly influences public perception and national security narratives.
Colonel Anele emphasized that an effective military-media relationship must be anchored on professionalism, transparency, mutual trust and a shared commitment to national stability.
“The media environment has become a strategic space where information can influence security outcomes. Strengthening collaboration between the military and the media is therefore essential to promoting accurate reporting and fostering public confidence,” she said.
According to her, the workshop was designed to enhance the capacity of military public relations officers and defence correspondents in strategic communication, contemporary media engagement and responsible security reporting.
The event brought together military officers, communication experts, defence correspondents and other stakeholders to deliberate on the growing role of strategic communication in addressing contemporary security challenges.
With security threats becoming increasingly sophisticated and digitally driven, participants agreed that the information domain now demands the same level of strategic attention and coordination as traditional military operations.
