CDS Reaffirms Commitment to Influence Operations as Tool for National Security, Conflict Prevention
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to deploying psychological and influence operations as critical tools for conflict prevention, national stability and sustainable peace across the country.
General Oluyede made the commitment at the opening of the two-day Defence Headquarters Psychological Operations Workshop, held in Abuja from July 23 to 24, 2026. He was represented by the Chief of Defence Training, Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye.
Speaking on the theme, “Building National Resilience: The Role of Influence Operations in Conflict Prevention and Stabilization,” the CDS described the workshop as timely, noting that influence operations have become indispensable in addressing the root causes of insecurity, countering misinformation and disinformation, strengthening public trust in institutions and fostering peaceful coexistence.
He stressed that 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.
According to him, the evolving security environment demands not only military capabilities but also effective strategic communication capable of shaping positive narratives, countering extremist propaganda and promoting national unity.
The Special Guest of Honour and Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Dr. Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, represented by the Director of News, Hajiya Halima Musa, underscored the vital role of strategic communication in confronting hostile narratives and safeguarding Nigeria’s unity.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, said sustainable peace can only be achieved through credible communication, active public engagement and collaboration among stakeholders. He noted that influence operations remain essential in building public confidence, strengthening national cohesion and enhancing resilience against emerging security threats.
At the end of the workshop, participants drawn from the Armed Forces, security and intelligence agencies, government institutions, academia, civil society organisations and the media adopted key recommendations aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s national resilience through enhanced strategic communication and coordinated influence operations.
Among the recommendations were deeper inter-agency collaboration, institutional capacity building, improved public engagement and the integration of influence operations into national conflict prevention and stabilization strategies.
The workshop concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to sustained collaboration in combating misinformation and disinformation, preventing violent extremism, strengthening public confidence in state institutions and promoting lasting peace, unity and national development across Nigeria.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria maintained that strategic communication and influence operations will remain integral components of its broader efforts to support national security and protect the country’s unity.
Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, issued the statement on 24 July 2026.
CDS Reaffirms Commitment to Influence Operations as Tool for National Security, Conflict Prevention