By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on media professionals to take the lead in combating misinformation and fake news, stressing that dominance of the information space is essential for strengthening national security and achieving operational success.

Speaking at the opening of the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) Combined First and Second Quarter Media Workshop 2026 on Tuesday at the Army War College Nigeria, the Army Chief described strategic communication as a critical force multiplier in modern military operations.

Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu said effective media integration has become indispensable to joint and multi-agency operations, particularly in an era where public perception can significantly influence security outcomes.

He noted that the media plays a vital role in shaping narratives, building public confidence and preventing adversaries from exploiting information gaps through misinformation and disinformation.

According to the COAS, sustained engagement with the media and the public has become a strategic necessity across all theatres of operation, adding that transparent and proactive communication enhances credibility, fosters trust and strengthens the nation’s security framework.

Addressing the workshop theme, “Media Integration as a Force Multiplier for Joint and Multi-Agency Operational Success,” Shaibu described the event as timely and relevant, providing a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, adopt global best practices in conflict-sensitive reporting and develop coordinated strategies to counter false narratives.

The Army Chief highlighted recent operational gains recorded by the Nigerian Army through improved inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing and unified planning, stressing that such achievements must be effectively communicated to the public to sustain confidence and prevent the distortion of operational realities.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order, while commending the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, for her efforts in strengthening the Army’s strategic communication capabilities.

Lt.-Gen. Shaibu also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and strategic guidance towards enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

Earlier, the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the workshop was designed to address the evolving security environment, where threats increasingly extend beyond the battlefield into the information domain.

She warned that fake news, misinformation, disinformation and Artificial Intelligence-generated content pose significant risks to national security, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration between the military and the media to ensure accurate information dissemination and national cohesion.

Anele also thanked the Chief of Army Staff for his commitment to personnel development, modernization and strategic communication, which she said has positioned the Nigerian Army to effectively confront both current and emerging security challenges.

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said civilian protection has become a central consideration in the planning and execution of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operations.

Aneke stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at a seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response for strategic-level officers, organised by the Civil Military Relations Branch.

He called for improved target verification and operational discipline in complex security environments.

Aneke said that modern warfare required a shift in mindset, stressing that success in operations was no longer defined only by battlefield outcomes but also by the protection of civilian lives.

“The environment we operate in is dynamic and complex. We must adapt continuously if we are to remain effective,” he said.

The CAS said personnel must strengthen intelligence validation, planning processes, and post-operation assessments to reduce avoidable civilian harm.

He added that civilian harm mitigation was not a limitation to operational effectiveness but a strategic enabler that improves precision, accountability and decision-making.

According to him, incidents arising from military operations—whether confirmed or alleged—have significant implications for public trust and institutional legitimacy.

Aneke said the seminar was designed to deepen strategic-level understanding of civilian harm mitigation principles and equip senior officers with practical tools for decision-making in fast-changing operational contexts.

He urged participants to embrace continuous learning and accountability, noting that the operational environment remains unpredictable and demands professionalism under pressure.

Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, said the seminar marked a significant milestone in strengthening professionalism, accountability, and the protection of civilians in air and joint operations.

Gabkwet described the forum as the first of its kind in the NAF at the strategic level, aimed at deepening institutional understanding of civilian harm mitigation and response.

He noted that contemporary security operations were increasingly complex, with civilians often present in operational environments, making it imperative for personnel to adopt deliberate measures to minimise harm.

According to him, effective civilian harm mitigation requires collaboration among military, paramilitary and civilian stakeholders, stressing that it cannot be achieved in isolation.

“This seminar provides a platform for reflection, learning and honest conversations on how we conduct operations in civilian-populated environments,” he said.

He added that the initiative reflected the NAF’s commitment to evolving in line with modern operational realities and global best practices.

The seminar brought together senior military officers, security stakeholders and subject matter experts to discuss strategies for minimising civilian harm while enhancing operational effectiveness.

From Ifeanyichukwu Nwannah, Gusau

Troops of Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued 31 kidnapped victims, neutralized five terrorists and dismantled several terrorists camps in a series of coordinated operations across Zamfara and Katsina States

In Zamfara State, troops rescued 31 kidnapped victims around the Bagega–Kawaye axis in Anka Local Government Area of the State.

The kidnapped victims were rescued from captivity following a precision air interdiction conducted by the air component of Operation Fansan Yamma and a follow on ground operation on terrorist enclaves west of Bagega Forest.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 8 Division, sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt.  Olaniyi Osoba made available to newsmen.

According the statement, the rescued individuals, who had spent several weeks in captivity, were identified as indigenes of Maga, Gummi, Zuru, Wasugu, Bukuyyum and Anka LGAs across Zamfara and Sokoto States, saying that the victims were provided medical support and will be reunited with their respective families.

In a separate operation in Zamfara, troops made contact with terrorists in Maradun and Gidan Dan Jaja axis where troops neutralized 2 terrorists and destroyed identified terrorist camps. Troops also recovered several fabricated rifles and four motorcycles used by the criminals.

The statement added that in Katsina State, troops intercepted terrorists in transit at Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Matazu LGA who were in transit for an imminent attack.

“Following a fierce firefight, troops neutralized three terrorists’ recovered motorcycles and some quantities of ammunition. One of the terrorists neutralized was later identified as a foot soldier of the notorious terrorist kingpin, Muhammad Fulani.  Rifles and motorcycles were recovered from the 2 encounters”, the statement added

It said that Operation Fansan Yamma remains resolute in its commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens across the North West region.