Nigeria Defence Headquarters Calls for Stronger Action Against Misinformation

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) of Nigeria convened a two‑day Psychological Operations Workshop in Abuja from 22 to 24 July 2026. The event, themed “Building National Resilience: The Role of Influence Operations in Conflict Prevention and Stabilisation,” gathered senior military officials, security and intelligence agencies, academia, civil‑society groups and media representatives.

Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede stressed that modern security threats extend beyond kinetic warfare, noting that terrorist and criminal groups increasingly weaponise misinformation and social division. He called for a coordinated whole‑of‑government and whole‑of‑society approach that includes traditional and religious leaders, civil‑society organisations and local communities to counter adversarial propaganda, strengthen public confidence and prevent conflicts before they erupt.

Rear Admiral Abolade Ogunleye, representing the Chief of Defence Training, echoed the need for practical recommendations to enhance inter‑agency collaboration and Nigeria’s capacity for conflict prevention. The workshop highlighted the importance of strategic communication, psychological operations and influence campaigns as essential non‑kinetic tools for national stability.