Army Chief addresses media on the importance of responsible reporting during military operations.
By Emmanuel Obisue
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has emphasized the need for responsible and balanced reportage of military operations to strengthen national security and public trust.
Oluyede, who was represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Tanimu Abdullahi, made the call on Tuesday at the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations’ Combined Third and Fourth Quarters Media Training Seminar, held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
The Army Chief noted that misinformation and fake news threaten operational integrity and national cohesion, stressing that collaboration between the military and media is crucial to shaping positive narratives about the Armed Forces.
“In an era where the battle for hearts and minds is as critical as the battle in the field, responsible media reportage has become a key enabler of operational success. The perception of the Nigerian Army, and indeed of all security agencies, is largely shaped by the narratives carried in the media space.
“With the rise of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the speed and reach of information, both genuine and false, have multiplied. Fake news, manipulated images, and deepfakes now pose real threats to national cohesion and operational integrity. Therefore, our collective task is not only to counter misinformation but to ensure that truth and verified facts dominate public discourse,” the COAS noted.
He added that in the face of these challenges, synergy between the Army and the media has become “a strategic imperative”. “The media remains a vital partner in shaping public understanding, mobilizing national support, and highlighting the sacrifices and gallantry of our troops who daily defend our country,” Oluyede added.
In her remarks, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, urged media practitioners to promote professionalism and counter misinformation in their coverage of military operations.
She said the seminar, themed “Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security,” aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s philosophy of building a motivated and combat-ready force capable of working within a joint environment.
“This is not just a gathering but a critical engagement aimed at reinforcing the military-media synergy in support of our national security efforts. In today’s evolving security landscape, the role of the media is no longer just about reporting events. It is about shaping narratives, mobilizing public support, countering misinformation and ultimately influencing the success of operations undertaken by the security agencies,” she posited.
Anele emphasized that responsible journalism and fact-checking remains essential in countering fake news and artificial intelligence-driven falsehoods that threaten public trust and national unity.
