Information War: The Battle for Public Trust Against Boko Haram
A former Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman (retd.), has disclosed that the Nigerian military's most significant hurdle in combating Boko Haram was not the physical warfare but the intense propaganda battle waged by the insurgents. He revealed that the military was forced to completely revamp its communication strategy to counter the sophisticated misinformation campaigns that severely damaged public confidence.
The Crisis of Credibility in 2014
Speaking at an event marking the 35th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the retired general pinpointed 2014 as an exceptionally difficult period. He recalled a time when the threats issued by Boko Haram often carried more weight with the public than official military statements, creating widespread confusion and fear.
"We were in the middle of an information war that tested our credibility, speed, and strategic communication under pressure," Usman stated. He emphasized that the fight was twofold: a physical war against insurgents on the ground and an information war against their digital propaganda and global misinformation network.
He described the profound challenge he inherited, noting, "In 2014, we had a situation where the average Nigerian did not even know whom to believe, whether the insurgents or the government. And this was because, sincerely speaking, when the insurgents threatened they would do something, they always went ahead to do it."
Boko Haram's Digital Dominance and the Military's Response
The former spokesman detailed how the terrorist group, under the leadership of Abubakar Shekau, masterfully exploited social media, with YouTube being a primary tool. They used these platforms to recruit followers, shape damaging narratives, and instill deep fear across the nation.
"They were all over social media platforms, particularly YouTube, where they exploited the Internet and emerging technologies to shape narratives, build followers, whip up sentiments, and, in fact, instil fear in Nigerians," Usman explained. The situation was so volatile that merely mentioning "Boko Haram" or its leader openly could make an individual a target.
To combat this, the military adopted a new, proactive communication doctrine centered on transparency and narrative control. This strategic shift was crucial in reclaiming the information space from the insurgents.
The insurgency, now in its 15th year, began with Boko Haram but has evolved. The group gained global notoriety after the 2014 abduction of nearly 300 schoolgirls in Chibok. Following Shekau's reported suicide in 2021, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has become the dominant jihadist faction in the North-East. The conflict has resulted in countless deaths and displaced more than two million people across the Lake Chad basin, with rival factions continuing to clash over territory and influence.
At the same event, the Chairman of the FCT NIPR chapter, Stanley Ogadigo, commended the institute for its 35 years of impactful service and its dedication to strengthening professional ethics among public relations practitioners in Nigeria.
