The Defence Adviser at the Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom, Brigadier General Habib Baba Manu, has commended the Nigerian Army for strengthening its strategic communication and information management capabilities.
Gen. Manu gave the commendation when a delegation from the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR), led by Lt. Col. Ishaku Gaji Takwa, paid a courtesy visit to the Defence Section of the High Commission in London.
He said advances in technology, including Artificial Intelligence, have transformed the information environment, creating opportunities for improved communication while accelerating the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
He stressed the need for timely, credible and professional military communication to sustain public confidence and support operations.
The Defence Adviser noted that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has continued to drive modernisation and transformation of the Army in line with his Command Philosophy, with focus on operational effectiveness, technology, personnel development, strategic communication and civil-military relations.
He said armies globally are leveraging emerging technologies to enhance their constitutional roles, and the Nigerian Army must continue to adapt. He added that bilateral engagements with partner nations offer opportunities to exchange expertise and explore technologies that enhance operational effectiveness.
Manu also commended the COAS for investing in the training of Army Public Relations officers through specialised courses and international engagements, describing information warfare as a critical dimension of asymmetric warfare.
Earlier, Lt. Col. Takwa said the team was in the UK for a one-week professional training seminar organised by the Board of Directors of the Commonwealth Public Relations Congress in London.
He thanked the COAS for approving the participation and the Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, for facilitating the training, noting that it broadened professional knowledge on contemporary strategic communication.
He said the initiative underscores the Army’s recognition of strategic communication as a critical enabler of military operations.
The visit provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on strategic communication, emerging technologies and the evolving role of military public relations.
