The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has emphasised that the information space has become as fiercely contested as the battlefield itself, playing a pivotal role in military operations, countering misinformation, and sustaining public trust.
Speaking at the maiden Quarterly Media Stakeholders Seminar organised by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations on Wednesday in Abuja, Musa, represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, highlighted the increasing relevance of media engagement in contemporary warfare.
The seminar, themed “Media as a Key Component of Joint Task Force Commanders’ Operational Success”, brought together military officers, media professionals, and communication experts to discuss strategies for effective collaboration.
According to the CDS, modern military operations are no longer conducted in isolation, as every move by joint task forces is constantly under public scrutiny.
“The way military operations are perceived by local populace and international audiences determines their effectiveness,” he said.
He warned that while media operations offer strategic advantages, they also come with significant challenges, including the rapid spread of fake news, deepfake technologies, and adversarial information warfare.
“While media operations offer immense strategic benefits, they also present significant challenges, such as the rise of fake news, deep fake technologies, and adversarial information warfare through misinformation, which can spread faster than ever before.
“Additionally, the 24-hour news cycle and social media demand real-time information.
“This is the reason why we are in a situation where we are in a situation where we are in a situation or meeting with as often as nearly as ever acceptable.
“It is on this premise that it becomes crucial that media operations be professionalised, proactive, and fully integrated into operational planning,” Musa stated.
He called for a seamless working relationship between commanders and media professionals to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information to the right audience.
“The seminar was carefully designed to deepen understanding of the crucial role media operations play in security and defence strategies,” he added.
Encouraging robust dialogue, Musa urged all participants to share experiences and contribute ideas that would enhance the effectiveness of military-media relations.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, reiterated the indispensable role of the media in shaping public perception, bolstering national security, and supporting the success of military operations.
Badaru, represented by his Special Assistant (Technical), retired Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Jibrin, said media collaboration was especially critical in counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, and internal security operations.
“Two-way dialogue between military operations and media engagement remains crucial to successful military operations,” he said.
He called for continued innovation in the media-defence partnership, anchored on factual, responsible reportage.
“Responsible and professional reportage built on factual and verified information will not only contribute to our operational successes, but also promote national unity and stability.
“In the age of digital media, we must also be vigilant against the spread of fake news and propaganda, which can undermine the credibility of security operations and embolden adversaries,” Badaru stated.
