The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has emphasized the importance of strategic collaboration between the military and the media in combating the growing threat of disinformation, which he described as a critical national security concern.
Represented by Rear Admiral A.M. Haruna, General Musa made the remarks at the maiden edition of the Diplomatic and Security International Conference, organized by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) in Abuja.
He noted that Nigeria’s Armed Forces is strengthening its engagement with both local and international stakeholders to counter the weaponization of information, particularly in conflict-prone regions and during counterinsurgency operations.
“Disinformation is not just a media problem—it is a national security threat. In the age of hybrid warfare, misinformation can erode public trust, destabilize communities, and embolden criminal networks,” the CDS stated.
He stressed that the military is committed to building trust and working with journalists to ensure accurate and responsible reporting from operational theatres.
Themed “Diplomacy, Security, and the Media in a Changing World Order,” the high-level conference brought together diplomats, security experts, academics, and media professionals. Participants explored topics such as cyber warfare, digital propaganda, conflict de-escalation, and the role of the media in global security.
Speakers at the event called for deeper cooperation between the media and security institutions through consistent dialogue, mutual training, and unified efforts to safeguard information integrity.
The conference also served as a platform to honour distinguished individuals for their contributions to diplomacy, security, and credible journalism. General Musa was among those recognized for his exemplary leadership in strengthening military-media relations.
