By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to strengthening psychological operations as a crucial non-kinetic tool in countering emerging security threats across the country.
He made this known while delivering the welcome address at the maiden Defence Headquarters Workshop on Psychological Operations held in Abuja.
Gen Musa emphasized the timeliness of the workshop, noting that modern warfare demands more than conventional strategies.
"The evolving nature of threats to national security necessitates a multidimensional approach that includes influencing perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours,” he stated.
"Defence Headquarters Influence Operations: Optimizing Psychological Operations for Efficiency in a Joint Environment.
"The workshop aims to harness psychological tools to complement ongoing kinetic operations and enhance the AFN’s effectiveness in restoring peace and stability across Nigeria.
Gen Musa stressed that the asymmetric threats posed by insurgents, terrorists, and other non-state actors cannot be defeated by force alone.
“Kinetic operations have continued to deny insurgents freedom of action, but we must also deploy non-kinetic strategies such as psychological operations to shape the information environment in our favour,” he said.
He further noted that the Defence Headquarters, under his leadership concept of building a “people-centric and collaborative armed forces,” is committed to developing innovative, joint strategies that align with the constitutional roles of the military.
The CDS acknowledged the role of recently implemented changes in theatre commands and expressed optimism that these changes would bolster the military’s operational posture against hostile actors.
“We are more determined than ever to go after all non-state actors threatening our national peace,” he declared.
Gen Musa also expressed confidence that participants would benefit greatly from the robust engagements and insights. He urged attendees to participate actively and contribute meaningfully to the success of the event.
Additionally, he expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support to the Armed Forces, as well as to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, for their commitment to national security.
The three-day workshop is expected to enhance collaboration among security stakeholders and refine strategies for influence operations in the ongoing fight against insecurity.
