Army chief Waidi Shaibu says misinformation and hostile propaganda have become major security threats, underscoring the need for stronger collaboration between the military and the media.

Mr Shaibu said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations Combined First and Second Quarters Media Workshop 2026.

Mr Shaibu said that modern adversaries increasingly relied on misinformation and psychological operations to undermine public confidence. He noted that effective media engagement had therefore become a force multiplier in joint and multi-agency security operations.

According to him, it must be recognised that today’s adversaries rely heavily on propaganda and information manipulation.

”When left unchecked, disinformation can be as damaging as a direct security threat,” he said.

Mr Shaibu said the evolving security environment required stronger military-media partnerships to counter fake news, hostile narratives, and other forms of information disorder that can undermine national security efforts.

He also said that public support remained a strategic necessity for operational success, adding that effective communication helped in strengthening cooperation between security agencies and citizens.

He described the workshop’s theme, ‘Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success’, as timely and strategic in view of contemporary security challenges.

He noted that the media had gone beyond its traditional role of informing the public to become a critical instrument for shaping perceptions, projecting credible narratives and countering adversarial propaganda.

The army chief further said that the workshop would provide a platform for exchanging ideas, adopting best practices in conflict-sensitive reporting and developing strategies to counter misinformation and psychological warfare.

He reiterated the army’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in line with its constitutional mandate.

Mr Shaibu added that his command philosophy was focused on transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of operating effectively within a joint and multi-agency environment.

He said that the army continued to record significant operational successes across various theatres through enhanced synergy, intelligence sharing and coordinated planning among security agencies.

According to him, such operational gains must be complemented by effective strategic communication to project accurate information, counter false narratives and reinforce public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.

“A well-informed citizenry rallies behind national security efforts, boosting troop morale and strengthening national resilience,” he said.

(NAN)