The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has stated that while weapons may win battles, truth and trust win wars.
General Oluyede also stressed that the collective mission of the military is to ensure that the Nigerian public remains accurately informed, confident in its Armed Forces, and united behind the cause of national security.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) made this assertion while declaring open the Directorate of Army Public Relations’ Combined Third and Fourth Quarters Media Training Seminar, with the theme: “Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security.”
Represented by the Commander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command (NACWC), Major General Mohammed Tanimu Abdullahi, the Army Chief stated that the carefully chosen theme underscores the vital role of accountability, balance, and responsibility in the reportage of military operations — particularly in a joint environment, where collaboration among security agencies is indispensable.
He said: “Let us remember that while weapons win battles, truth and trust win wars. Our collective mission is to ensure that the Nigerian public remains accurately informed, confident in its Armed Forces, and united behind the cause of national security.
“In an era where the battle for hearts and minds is as critical as the battle on the field, responsible media reportage has become a key enabler of operational success. The perception of the Nigerian Army — and indeed 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.”
Recognising that victory today is not won solely on the battlefield, General Oluyede stated that it is increasingly fought in the information domain — where narratives, perceptions, and public confidence are decisive.
This, he said, is why synergy between the Army and the media is not a matter of convenience but a strategic imperative.
“The media remains a vital partner in shaping public understanding, mobilising national support, and highlighting the sacrifices and gallantry of our troops who daily defend our country,” he said.
General Oluyede assured that the Nigerian Army, under his leadership, will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibility of defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, stated that the media training was not merely a gathering but a critical engagement aimed at reinforcing military-media synergy in support of national security efforts.
She said: “There is no doubt that warfare is not fought solely with weapons, but also in the information domain. Hybrid threats, disinformation campaigns, and Artificial Intelligence-driven fake content are being weaponised to erode public confidence, discredit institutions, and demoralise security forces.
“To defeat these threats, we must counter falsehoods with verified facts, replace propaganda with truth, and ensure that the Nigerian public is accurately informed.”
This, she said, calls for professionalism, ethics, and patriotism from all media stakeholders.
Linus Aleke
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