CDS highlights strategic communication to counter misinformation, disinformation

Nigeria's Armed Forces are prioritizing psychological and influence operations as key tools for conflict prevention and national stabilization. This commitment was highlighted at the Defence Headquarters Psychological Operations Workshop in Abuja, held from July 23-24, 2026.

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Building national resilience requires a coordinated whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach involving government institutions, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media, and local communities.

The workshop, themed "Building National Resilience: The Role of Influence Operations in Conflict Prevention and Stabilization," gathered experts from military, security, intelligence, government, academia, civil society, and media sectors. Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, emphasized that building national resilience requires a "whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach."

General Oluyede described influence operations as essential for addressing conflict root causes, combating misinformation and disinformation, bolstering public confidence, and fostering peaceful coexistence. This aligns with the views of media heads like Dr. Salihu Dembos of NTA and Mallam Jibrin Ndace of Voice of Nigeria, who stressed the critical role of strategic communication and public engagement in safeguarding national unity and achieving sustainable peace.

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Influence operations have become indispensable in addressing the root causes of conflict, countering misinformation and disinformation, strengthening public trust, and fostering peaceful coexistence.

The workshop concluded with participants adopting recommendations to improve Nigeria's national resilience through enhanced strategic communication and coordinated influence operations. The focus is on strengthening inter-agency collaboration to counter hostile narratives and promote national cohesion.

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Sustainable peace requires credible communication, public engagement, and collaboration among all stakeholders.