The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to defeating terrorism and restoring national peace. He made the declaration at the opening of a Workshop on Psychological Operations held Wednesday at Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
General Musa stated that recent leadership changes across various operational theatres are part of a renewed strategic approach aimed at crippling terrorist networks, securing military positions, and protecting vulnerable communities.
“We are more than ever determined to go after all non-state actors to restore peace and stability in the country,” he asserted.
Beyond the Battlefield: The Role of Psychological Operations
While highlighting the ongoing success of military campaigns in restricting terrorist movements, General Musa stressed that the evolving nature of threats requires more than just conventional military force.
“Terrorism has transformed, and so must our response,” he said. “We now need a mix of kinetic (military) and non-kinetic (psychological and social) approaches to counter the influence and propaganda of these groups.”
He emphasized that psychological operations play a crucial role in shaping public perception, disrupting extremist narratives, and influencing behaviors in conflict zones.
“This workshop comes at a critical time. As modern warfare evolves, so must our tactics. The psychological aspect of warfare is now as important as the physical. It aligns with my vision of building a professional, people-centered Armed Forces capable of fulfilling its constitutional duties through collaboration and strategic innovation,” General Musa said.
Expert Insight: Mind Power as a Battlefield
Delivering the keynote address, retired Major General Letam Wiwa, former Chief of Military Intelligence, underscored the growing importance of psychological operations in joint military campaigns. He challenged officers to go beyond theory and embrace practical, intelligence-driven applications of psychological warfare.
“Officers involved in psychological operations must move beyond PowerPoint presentations. They must be trained, integrated with intelligence units, and fully coordinated in the joint environment,” he said. “The real battlefield is the mind.”
Wiwa stressed that public perception, both domestic and international, can significantly influence the credibility and effectiveness of military operations. He called for a more strategic approach to showcasing the military’s successes.
“Psychological operations aren’t just about propaganda—they require creativity, analysis, translation, and communication. These officers are not social media influencers. They are vital to the success of our mission and deserve proper training, equipment, and mental health support,” he added.
Winning Without Excessive Force
Wiwa concluded by emphasizing the power of influence in modern conflict. “If we control perception, we win hearts. If we shape emotions, we shift behavior. And if we master influence, we can reduce reliance on force and still achieve victory,” he said.
The workshop brought together military commanders, psychologists, and strategic planners to explore new methods of integrating psychological operations into Nigeria’s broader counterterrorism strategy. It is expected to shape future non-kinetic initiatives to complement ongoing combat operations across the country.
