Responsible Media Reportage Key Enabler For Operational Successes As COAS Declares Open DAPR Training Seminar
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has described responsible media reportage as a key enabler for operational successes in the military. The COAS stated this today, Tuesday 7th October, 2025 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 with the theme “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 and other services, Defence Correspondents, spokespersons of other security agencies, senior military officers and communication experts to deliberate on effective communication strategies in the digital era.
The COAS, represented by the Commander Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General Mohammed Abdullahi said that media has always been indispensable in shaping public opinion in military activities through factual reportage, which in turn contributes significantly to civil-military cooperation.
The Army Chief stressed the vital role of accountability, balance and responsibility in reporting military operations, particularly in a joint environment where collaboration among security agencies is indispensable.
The COAS observed that with the proliferation of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the speed and reach of information, both genuine and false, have multiplied, posing serious challenges to national unity and operational integrity.
He warned that fake news, manipulated images, and deepfakes now constitute real threats to national cohesion, stressing that the task of both the military and the media is to ensure that truth and verified facts dominate public discourse. 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.”
Lieutenant General Oluyede enjoined the media practitioners always to ensure that truth and verified facts dominate public discourse and pledged that NA, under his leadership will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibility of defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria.
He commended the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Apollonia Anele, for his initiative and dedication to enhancing professional standards in military-media relations and also appreciated the resource persons and media executives for their collaboration and commitment.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele stated that the seminar aligns with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, 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 noted that the training would create an avenue for media practitioners to reflect on the growing need for accurate, responsible and strategic reportage of the Nigerian Army operations to deepen the synergy between the Nigerian Army and the media in the collective pursuit of national security.
Highlighting the importance of media in the aspect of shaping narratives, mobilizing public support, countering misinformation and ultimately influencing the success of operations undertaken by security agencies, the Acting Director assured the NA of the Army Public Relations’ resolute commitment to ensuring access to credible, timely and verifiable information that enables responsible reporting without compromising national security interests.
The seminar had in attendance, former Directors of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade (rtd), Major General Rabe Abubarkar, former Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), Directors of Public Relations of sister services, media practitioner from Defence and Services Headquarters, spokespersons of sister services and other security agencies, senior officers both serving and retired, Bureau Chiefs and Media Executives amongst others.
The highlight of the event included the presentation of souvenirs, lecture presentations from erudite resource persons, robust interactive session and group photographs.
APPOLONIA ANELE
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
7 October 2025
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