CDS highlights strategic communication to counter misinformation, disinformation

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The Chief of Defence Staff , General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to using psychological and influence operations as strategic tools for conflict prevention, national stabilization, and sustainable peace.

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In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, and posted on the Defence Headquarters’ X handle on Friday, Oluyede made the remarks at the opening of the two-day Defence Headquarters Psychological Operations Workshop held in Abuja from 23 to 24 July 2026. He was represented by the Chief of Defence Training, Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye.

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The workshop, themed “Building National Resilience: The Role of Influence Operations in Conflict Prevention and Stabilization,” brought together participants from the Armed Forces, security and intelligence agencies, government institutions, academia, civil society organisations, and the media.

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The CDS noted that strengthening national resilience requires a collective effort involving all sectors of society.

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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,” he said.

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Oluyede described the workshop as timely, stressing that influence operations have become essential in addressing the underlying causes of conflict, countering misinformation and disinformation, strengthening public confidence, and promoting peaceful coexistence.

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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 CDS said.

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The Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Dr Salihu Dembos, represented by the Director of News, Hajiya Halima Musa, emphasized the importance of strategic communication in safeguarding national unity and countering hostile narratives.

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Similarly, the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Ndace, stressed that credible communication and public engagement are critical to achieving sustainable peace.

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He noted that, “Sustainable peace requires credible communication, public engagement, and collaboration among all stakeholders,” adding that influence operations remain vital in promoting trust, national cohesion, and resilience.

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At the conclusion of the workshop, participants adopted recommendations aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s national resilience through improved strategic communication and coordinated influence operations.

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The participants called for stronger inter-agency collaboration, increased institutional capacity, improved public engagement, and the integration of influence operations into national conflict prevention and stabilization efforts.

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The workshop ended with stakeholders pledging continued collaboration in countering misinformation, preventing violent extremism, strengthening public confidence in state institutions, and promoting peace, unity, and national development across Nigeria.

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