The Nigerian Army (NA) has strengthened the technological capacity of its Public Relations personnel through specialised training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR), as part of efforts to enhance strategic communication and effectively operate in the rapidly evolving information environment.
The two-day training, held from 6–7 October 2026 at Ventures Park, Maitama, Abuja, in collaboration with Priori Orators, was themed, “FutureComms: AI & AR Revolutionising Military Communication Strategies.” The programme exposed participants to emerging technologies and their practical applications in contemporary military Public Relations and strategic communication.
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Participants were trained on the fundamentals and advanced applications of AI in military communication, integration of AR into communication strategies, emerging technology trends, dual-use technologies and the ethical considerations associated with their application. Practical demonstrations in augmented and virtual environments also exposed participants to the potential of these technologies in enhancing content development, training, public engagement and military storytelling.
The training highlighted the growing importance of AI and AR in contemporary military Public Relations, particularly in an information environment where the speed, reach and sophistication of communication increasingly shape public perception. Participants explored how AI could support information monitoring and analysis, content development, audience assessment and timely responses to emerging narratives, while AR could provide more immersive platforms for visual communication, public enlightenment, training and presentation of military activities.
Particular attention was devoted to the threats posed by deepfakes, synthetic propaganda and AI-enabled disinformation. Participants examined how hostile actors could exploit emerging technologies to manipulate narratives, misrepresent military activities and undermine public confidence in security institutions. They were also exposed to how AI-assisted tools could aid early detection of false narratives, enhance situational awareness in the information space and support timely, accurate and credible responses.
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Speaking at the close of the training, the Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel OA Anele, represented by the Chief of Staff, Directorate of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Ishaku Takwa, charged participants to translate the knowledge acquired into improved professional practice and cascade the skills to personnel in their respective formations and units.
Colonel Anele stressed that the adoption of emerging technologies in military Public Relations must remain firmly guided by operational security, extant laws, Nigerian Army regulations and professional ethics. She emphasised that while AI and AR could significantly improve the speed, reach and effectiveness of military communication, their application must never compromise the principles of truth, accuracy and credibility upon which effective military Public Relations is built.
The Director expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his vision and support for the training. She noted that the initiative aligns with the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively responding to contemporary security challenges, including those within the information domain.
Also speaking, the Founder and Team Lead of Priori Orators, Ms Fatimah Abba Wakilbe, expressed appreciation to the COAS for approving the training and providing the opportunity to contribute to the professional development of Nigerian Army Public Relations personnel. She noted that the rapidly changing information environment requires continuous investment in technological skills and innovative communication approaches to enable military communicators to remain effective and responsive to emerging challenges.
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Ms Wakilbe assured that Priori Orators would continue to explore opportunities to support the Nigerian Army in developing the capacity of its officers in information communication and emerging technologies. She added that sustained collaboration and exposure to evolving communication tools would further strengthen the ability of Army communicators to effectively project military activities, engage relevant audiences and respond appropriately to challenges in the information environment.
The programme featured presentations by the Director of Aerospace Research, Defence Research and Development Bureau, Air Vice Marshal Akeem Aderibigbe Adebomehin and the Director of War and Strategy, Army War College Nigeria, Brigadier General Eyitayo Shoda. The resource persons highlighted the increasing influence of emerging technologies on modern warfare and strategic communication, stressing the need for military communicators to continually develop the technological competence required to operate effectively in an increasingly contested information environment.
