Civil-Military Relations in conflict zones of North-Eastern Nigeria: The role of Information managers in promoting public trust, by Dr. Garba Ubale Danbatta (Ph.D)
Abstract:
In today’s hyper-digitally connected World, the proliferation of misinformation have become the order of the day and a serious challenge to national security. According to Obi, (2023), misinformation, which is spread intentionally and disinformation, which comes unintentionally can destabilize societies, undermine public trus and exacerbate conflicts in a community.
However, addressing this moster requires a whole-of-society approach , where multiple stakeholders collaborate to manage information effectively. Central to this effort are information managers, who serve as custodians of accurate and reliable information, (Jahanger et al., 2021).
This paper explores the role of information managers in combating misinformation through a multi-stakeholder approach, drawing on scholarly meaning of the major concepts embedded in the script such as; information, public relations (PR), misinformation, multi-sectoral approaches, information management, and national security.
Introduction
Civil-military relationship in a democratic state like Nigeria describes a situation where the military establishment is obedient, by accepting subordination, to elected civilian authorities. The military is viewed as an institution geared towards defending the state against external and internal threats.
Also, it is seen as one of the corner-stone of a democratically elected government in the sense that a well disciplined, trained and equipped military will not only defend the country against external aggression, but will also help protect and uphold
internal democratic norms, while still being loyal to elected or appointed civilian authority whose fundamental function as act as an agent of the state in the protection of lives and properties of their people as contained in the social contract or political manifestos.
The paper examine the synergy between the Civilian and the military in their attempt to address the rising security challenges caused by the wanton killing of people and destruction of properties going on all over the country, especially in the North Eastern part that is being allowed to fester with no end in sight. The study is exploratory and documentary in nature with qualitative descriptive method used in analysing textual data.
Anchoring our discourse on the Agency theory of civil-military relations and findings amongs others revealed that; the inability of the military to address the rising insecurity in Nigeria is as a result of the emergence of a weak civilian/political relationship that is enmeshed in ethnic politics and religious fundamentalism, lacks trust or confidence between the civilian and military especially the foot soldiers at war zones, emergence of fake news and lack of strong and well trained public relations managers within the military arctecture.
Civil-military relations is critical tool for maintaining peace and stability in any society. However, there are quite of number challenges to these relations, especially in areas where there are existing conflicts or tensions.
However, some of the best way to address these challenges includes; deliberate community engagement by military and security forces, engaging with the local communities to discuss and understand the areas of disagreement and major issues to address as a crucial element.
It is also important not only to develop a relationships between civilians and the military, but also helps build trust, understand the local dynamics, promote local agency as well as hold security forces accountable in order to prioritize the protection of civilian.
On several occasions, across its programs, Center for civilians in conflict within military (CIVIC) has facilitated engagement between conflict-affected communities and military actors, so that civilian protection risks can be more effectively addressed.
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This type of engagement has been a critical part of their work in Northeast Nigeria, which has been the epicenter of fighting between non-state armed groups and the Nigerian military for more than 15 years, resulting in several thousand civilian casualties and mass displacement.
While there are challenges in establishing effective civil-military relations, there are also methods to successfully achieve them, espevially in North-East part of Nigeria where it has become a testing ground. Similarly, while it is true civilians and their communities are experts in their own right and are the best placed to advocate for their protection. Hence, it is naturally important to establish a dialogue process with these communities and listen to what they have to offer.
This is also known as the Community-Based Protection (CBP) approach. However, because it’s unrealistic to engage with every single member of the community, CIVIC has supported the creation of groups to represent the needs and experiences of the entire community and these groups are called Community Protection Committees (CPC).
Conceptual meaning and their relevence to the paper.
1. Information
Information is defined as processed data that provides meaning and context, enabling individuals and organizations to make informed decisions (Cvitanovic et al., 2021). According to Ivasenko et al., (2021), the transmission of information involves encoding, sending, receiving, and decoding messages.
In the context of national security, accurate and timely information is vital for decision-making, policy formulation, and crisis management. However, when misinformation enters the information ecosystem, it distorts reality, leading to confusion, mistrust, and potential harm to societal stability (Sohn et al., 2024).
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, false claims about vaccines and treatments undermined public health efforts globally. Similarly, in conflict zones, misinformation can escalate tensions, incite violence, and hinder peacebuilding initiatives (Abubakar et al., 2025). Thus, ensuring the integrity of information is essential for safeguarding national security.
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2. Public Relations and Public Relations Officers/Information Officers
Public relations (PR) is the practice of managing communication between an organization and its stakeholders to build mutual understanding, trust, and goodwill (Thomas & Omojunikanbi, 2023).
Omojunikanbi (2022) opined that public relations officers (PROs) or information officers play a crucial role in shaping narratives, disseminating accurate information, and countering misinformation. In government agencies like the Nigerian Army Department of Civil-Military Affairs, these professionals act as intermediaries between the military and the public, ensuring transparency and accountability.
According to Kent and Lane (2021), effective PR relies on two-way symmetrical communication, where organizations engage in dialogue with their audiences to address concerns and foster trust. In the fight against misinformation, PROs must adopt this model by listening to public feedback, verifying facts, and providing credible alternatives to false narratives.
3. Misinformation
According to Aïmeur et al., (2023) misinformation refers to false or misleading information shared without malicious intent, while disinformation involves deliberate falsehoods designed to deceive. Both forms pose significant risks to societal cohesion and national security. Caled and Silva (2022) identify three key elements of misinformation: the creation of false content, its distribution through social media and other platforms, and its reception by audiences who may believe and act upon it.
The impact of misinformation is particularly pronounced in digital spaces, where algorithms prioritize sensational or emotionally charged content (Bakir & McStay, 2022). For instance, during elections, disinformation campaigns can sway voter opinions, manipulate outcomes, and erode democratic processes. In Nigeria, misinformation has been linked to ethnic tensions, religious conflicts, and insurgencies, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures.
4. Multi-Sectoral Approach in Dealing with Misinformation
A multi-sectoral approach recognizes that no single entity can combat misinformation alone. Instead, collaboration across sectors—including government, private industry, academia, civil society, and international partners—is essential. Ozdemir et al., (2023) argued that each stakeholder brings unique strengths to the table:
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Government Agencies: Provide regulatory frameworks, oversight, and resources.Tech Companies: Monitor online platforms for harmful content and develop tools to detect and remove misinformation.
Academia: Conduct research to understand misinformation trends and propose evidence-based solutions.
Civil Society Organizations: Engage communities to promote media literacy and counter false narratives at the grassroots level.
International Partners: Share best practices and coordinate global efforts to combat misinformation. This collaborative framework ensures holistic response to misinformation and addresses its root causes and manifestations across different levels of the society.
5. Stakeholders’ Approach to Misinformation under the Nigerian Army
In Nigeria, misinformation poses a significant challenge to national security, particularly in the context of insurgency, civil unrest, and political instability (Nsirim et al., 2024).
The Nigerian Army, recognizing it destabilizing effects and has adopted a multi-stakeholder approach to counter it through maintainance of public trust. Central to this strategy is the Department of Civil-Military Affairs (DCMA), which serves as the engine room for the interface between the military and the civilian population, ensuring transparency and effective communication.
The Army collaborates with government agencies, media organizations, civil society groups, and technology companies to identify, analyze, and mitigate the spread of misinformation.
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Public Relations Officers (PROs) within the Army play a crucial role in disseminating accurate information through press releases, social media engagements, and public enlightment campaigns, ensuring that false narratives—especially those related to counter-terrorism operations—are promptly debunked, (Gombar, 2025).
Additionally, the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command works closely with tech companies and fact-checking organizations to monitor digital platforms, track the origins of misleading contents, and take appropriate counter measures against propaganda, particularly from terrorist groups such as Boko Haram.
The involvement of academic institutions and researchers in misinformation management and studies, also strengthens this approach by providing insights into the psychology of misinformation and developing evidence-based counter-terrorists strategies. Furthermore, community engagement also plays a critical role in this approach, as the Army collaborates with traditional and religious leaders to correct false narratives at the grassroots level before it get out of hand, particularly in conflict-prone regions (Ali, 2024). Multi-stakeholder approach ensures a holistic, proactive, and adaptive response to misinformation, reinforcing national security and fostering public confidence in military operations.
6. Information Management
Information management involves the collection, analysis, storage, and dissemination of information in ways that support strategic objectives (Pearlson et al., 2024). In the realm of national security , effective information management is critical for protecting sensitive data, countering propaganda, and ensuring the public receives reliable updates during emergencies. Poorly managed information systems can lead to leaks, breaches, and the spread of misinformation, which adversaries may exploit to destabilize nations (Buehler et al., 2021).
For example, cyberattacks targeting government databases or military communications can compromise national security. Therefore, robust information management practices—such as encryption, access controls, and real-time monitoring—are indispensable for safeguarding national interests.
7. National Security
National security encompasses the protection of a nation’s sovereignty, citizens, and institutions from internal and external threats. In the digital age, information plays a central role in national security, influencing everything from military operations to public perceptions (Chmyr et al., 2023). Misinformation undermines national security by eroding trust in institutions, fueling unrest, and creating opportunities for hostile actors to exploit vulnerabilities (Moral, 2022).
For instance, during the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria, misinformation spread through social media exacerbated fear and division, complicating counter-insurgency efforts. To address such challenges, governments must integrate information management into broader national security strategies, prioritizing accuracy, transparency, and resilience.
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8. Information Managers:
Information managers are uniquely positioned to lead the fight against misinformation due to their expertise in communication, technology, and stakeholder engagement. According to Shahbazi and Bunker, (2024), the major responsibilities of information managers includes:
1. Fact-Checking and Verification: Information managers must rigorously verify the accuracy of all communications before dissemination. Tools like reverse image searches, metadata analysis, and cross-referencing sources can help detect fabricated stories. Collaboration with fact-checking organizations enhances credibility and ensures consistency.
2. Strategic Communication: By developing clear, consistent communication strongly aligned with national interest, information managers can counteract false narratives. Strategic communication emphasizes proactive engagement rather than reactive responses and building resilience against misinformation over time.
3. Media Literacy Initiatives:
Empowering citizens to critically evaluate information is crucial. Information managers can partner with educational institutions and NGOs to promote media literacy programs that teach individuals how to identify credible sources and recognize bias.
Technology Utilization: Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms, information managers can track misinformation patterns, predict outbreaks, and automate responses. Social media monitoring tools enable real-time detection of harmful content, allowing swift intervention.
4. Collaboration Across Sectors:
Information managers facilitate dialogue among stakeholders, fostering partnerships that amplify impact. For example, they can coordinate with tech firms to flag misleading posts or collaborate with community leaders to dispel rumors locally.
Crisis Communication Planning: During emergencies, misinformation spreads rapidly. Information managers must develop contingency plans that prioritize rapid, transparent communication to reassure the public and prevent panic (Ofangbonmu et al., 2024).
5. Scholarly Insights on Multi-Stakeholder Approaches
Scholars emphasize the need for holistic, inclusive strategies in tackling complex issues like misinformation. According to Cavagnis (2021), addressing misinformation requires “ecosystemic thinking,” wherein all actors within the information environment work together toward shared goals. Similarly, Ramašauskaitė (2023) argue that combating disinformation necessitates strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing digital literacy, and regulating social media platforms.
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Moreover, studies underscore the importance of trust-building in multi-stakeholder initiatives. Trust acts as a foundation for cooperation, enabling stakeholders to share knowledge, resources, and responsibilities effectively (Barrane et al., 2021). When information managers foster trust through transparent, ethical practices, they enhance the legitimacy of their efforts and increase public confidence in official narratives.
SOME OF THE CHALLENGES IN ACHIEVING EFFECTIVE CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS IN NIGERIA.
Civil-Military engagement in a conflict-affected communities can be quite tasking, especially in areas where there are scars of conflict or mistrust between the military and civilians.
1. Lack of trust: Building trust between the security forces and the community can be difficult, especially in areas where the military is seen as an occupying force or where the security forces are the perpetrators of harm to civilians.
2. Cultural barriers: Understanding local culture and customs is essential for effective community engagement. However, cultural differences including language can create barriers to communication and collaboration. This can be the case during foreign interventions of military forces as well as when military officers are deployed to different parts of their own country where culture and customs are different from their own.
3. Security concerns: In conflict-affected areas, security can be a major concern for both the military and civilians. This can make it difficult to engage with the community and build relationships. For instance, this might be the case in time of intense hostilities during which military actors are considered legitimate targets for the other warring party(ies). Bringing civilians and military together may result inadvertently in harm to the communities.
4. Misperception that community engagement consume resources: Some might think that engaging with the community requires too many resources, including personnel, time, and funding. However, the risks that may arise from not engaging with communities far outweigh the costs and resources.
5. Lack of adequate knowledge or experience on community engagement: community engagement being a highly professional practice require adequate knowledge and expertise before one delve into it, in order not the peace process or skyrocketed the already established peaceful coexistance in a Community.
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SOME OF THE STRATEGIES IN REALISING EFFECTIVE COMMUNITY RELATIONS IN NIGERIA.
Despite the number of challenges posing great challenge in realising effective civil-miltary relation, they are not unsurmountable and some of the major strategies in navigating these challenges are:
1. Building trust: Building trust requires open and transparent communication, honesty, and a willingness to listen. Military and civilian leaders can engage with the community by attending community meetings, holding town halls, and partnering with local organizations to create these opportunities of dialogue.
2. Increasing cultural awareness: Understanding local culture and customs is essential for effective community engagement. Military and civilian leaders can work with local leaders and community members to learn about local customs and values.
3. Addressing security concerns: Addressing security concerns requires a balance between protecting the safety of both the military and civilians while also engaging with the community. Military and civilian leaders can work with local law enforcement and security forces to ensure that community engagement activities are safe and secure. Engaging communities should never cause more harm than good and/or further escalate conflict.
Besides, if communities prefer not to engage, this must be accepted too. In many instances, civilians have refused to engage with the military by fear of being associating with them and therefore suffering retaliation by the other warring party(ies). Finally, a community’s refusal to engage with the military should never be perceived as taking sides with any other parties.
4. Optimizing resources: While engaging with the community requires resources, including personnel, time, and funding, military and civilian leaders should prioritize it because its benefits can outweigh its costs by far. Resources should be allocated strategically, including by partnering with local organizations and leveraging technology to reach a wider audience
5. Creating more public awareness and sensitization: Creating more avenues for public awareness and sensitization on military activities and community through the use of both traditional media ( Radio, Television and Newspapers or magazines) and social media handles such as, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc could greatly enhance public awareness through the creation of very interesting contents and wider coverage.
Conclusion
The rise of misinformation presents unprecedented challenges to national security, demanding innovative, collaborative solutions. A multi-stakeholder approach offers a viable pathway forward, bringing together diverse actors to protect the integrity of the information ecosystem.
At the heart of this effort are information managers , whose expertise in information management, public relations, and crisis communication equips them to lead the charge against misinformation. To succeed, information managers must embrace technological advancements, prioritize transparency, and champion media literacy.
By doing so, they not only mitigate the harms caused by misinformation but also strengthen societal resilience, uphold democratic values, and safeguard national security. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the principles of collaboration, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making will remain paramount in securing our collective future.
Media practitioners must uphold their high sense of responsibility, accuracy, and fairness in reporting activities related to Nigerian Army, while balancing on their understanding of national security interests as it relate to people’s right to information.
It is also crucial to avoid spreading misinformation or inflammatory content that could undermine national unity and development. Hence, media practitioners should always verify information before release it to the public,, highlighting the need for a “whole-of-society approach” to enhance information management and national security.
Also, on their part the Military as they navigate the complex security landscape, it’s crucial that they foster dialogue and collaboration to build a more peaceful and resilient nation.
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Dr. Garba Ubale Danbatta ( Ph.D)
Visiting Senior Lecturer at Mass Communication Department North-Eastern University Gombe, formally Pen Resource University
Gombe, Gombe State.
Email: garbauba2006@yahoo.com, garbauba2006@gmail.com
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