The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has warned that disinformation poses a threat to national security comparable to physical attacks, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between the military and the media.
He made the remarks in Abuja at the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations Combined First and Second Quarters Media Workshop 2026, where he was represented by the Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi.
Shaibu explained that in modern warfare, information has become a critical weapon, and narratives circulating in the media space can significantly influence public perception and operational outcomes.
He emphasised that accurate and timely information dissemination is essential for maintaining public trust, strengthening national resilience, and supporting military operations.
“Accurate and timely dissemination of information is essential for projecting factual narratives, countering misinformation and reinforcing public confidence,” he said.
The Army Chief warned that adversaries increasingly rely on propaganda, misinformation, and psychological manipulation to weaken state institutions and destabilise societies.
According to him, if left unchecked, disinformation can undermine military achievements, erode trust in security institutions, and create confusion among citizens during security operations.
He therefore urged journalists and media practitioners to play an active role in national security by ensuring responsible reporting that highlights the sacrifices of troops and counters false narratives.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel O.A. Anele, also noted that the media space has become a major operational domain in contemporary conflict, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence-generated content and digital misinformation.
She called for improved media literacy and stronger ethical standards among journalists covering security issues.
The workshop brought together military officials, communication experts, and media practitioners to explore strategies for improving information management in conflict situations.
Stakeholders agreed that effective communication remains a key force multiplier in modern security operations.
