By Newscount
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has emphasized that responsible media reportage remains a key enabler for achieving operational successes in military operations. He stated this while declaring open the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Combined Third and Fourth Quarters Media Training Seminar 2025 at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
The seminar, themed “Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security,” brought together officers of the Directorate of Public Relations, Defence correspondents, communication experts, senior military officers, and spokespersons from other security agencies to explore effective communication strategies in the evolving digital landscape.
Represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General Mohammed Abdullahi, the COAS underscored the indispensable role of the media in shaping public opinion on military activities through factual reporting. He said balanced and accountable reportage significantly enhances civil-military cooperation and national stability.
General Oluyede cautioned that the rapid spread of information—both factual and false—through digital technologies and artificial intelligence presents grave challenges to operational integrity and national unity. He warned that fake news, manipulated visuals, and deepfakes now constitute serious threats to national cohesion.
“Victory today is not won solely on the battlefield,” he said. “It is increasingly fought in the information domain, where narratives, perceptions and public confidence are decisive.”
The Army Chief urged media practitioners to prioritize truth and verification in their reporting, assuring that the Nigerian Army under his leadership remains committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also commended the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, for her initiative and dedication to improving professional standards in military-media relations.
In her welcome remarks, Lieutenant Colonel Anele noted that the seminar aligns with the Command Philosophy of the COAS, which seeks to “Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force Capable of Effectively Discharging Its Constitutional Responsibilities Within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”
She explained that the training aims to strengthen collaboration between the Army and the media by promoting accurate, responsible, and strategic reportage that supports national security objectives. She assured that the Directorate would continue to ensure access to credible, timely, and verifiable information to enable responsible reporting without compromising security interests.
The event was attended by former Directors of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade (rtd) and Major General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Army Public Relations Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), as well as spokespersons from sister services, media executives, senior officers (serving and retired), and Defence correspondents.
Highlights of the seminar included lectures by seasoned resource persons, interactive sessions, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs.
APPOLONIA ANELE
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Director, Army Public Relations
7 October 2025
