UK Defence Adviser Hails Nigerian Army’s Strategic Communication Drive
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Defence Adviser at the Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom, Brigadier General Habib Baba Manu (OON), has commended the Nigerian Army for strengthening its strategic communication and information management capabilities to counter the growing challenges of misinformation, disinformation and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Directorate of Army Public Relations stated on Sunday that Manu gave the commendation when a delegation from the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR), led by Lieutenant Colonel Ishaku Gaji Takwa, paid a courtesy visit to the Defence Section of the Nigerian High Commission in London.
TheFact Daily reports that the Nigerian Army has in recent years intensified efforts to strengthen its strategic communication and information management capabilities in response to the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, particularly in conflict and security operations.
Through enhanced media engagement, public information campaigns, capacity-building programmes and investments in communication technologies, the Army seeks to counter false narratives, improve public understanding of its operations and safeguard national security in an increasingly complex information environment.
According to the Defence Adviser, advances in technology have reshaped the global information environment, creating opportunities for improved communication while accelerating the spread of false and misleading information. He stressed the need for timely, credible and professional military communication to sustain public confidence and support military operations, adding that modern armies increasingly rely on emerging technologies and information warfare capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness.
Manu also praised the COAS for investing in the professional development of Army Public Relations officers through specialised courses, seminars and international engagements, noting that military communicators must continually adapt to the demands of contemporary asymmetric warfare and the rapidly evolving information domain.
Earlier, Takwa said the delegation was in the United Kingdom for a one-week professional training seminar organised by the Board of Directors of the Commonwealth Public Relations Congress.
He thanked the COAS for approving the officers’ participation and the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, for facilitating the training, describing strategic communication and information management as critical enablers of military operations in today’s information-driven environment.
