Oluyede: Weapons Win Battles, Truth, Trust Win Wars

• House urges CDS, IG, NSCDC commandant to intensify deployment, coordinate security operations in Kwara  

•PSC tasks new police constables to contribute to the fight against terrorism, banditry 

•Adeleke vows to apprehend, prosecute perpetrators of Akinlalu’s killing

Adedayo Akinwale, Linus Aleke in Abuja and Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has stated that while weapons may win battles, truth and trust win wars.

Oluyede also stressed that the collective mission of the military is to ensure that the Nigerian public remains accurately informed, confident in its Armed Forces, and united behind the cause of national security.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) made this assertion while declaring open the Directorate of Army Public Relations’ Combined Third and Fourth Quarters Media Training Seminar, with the theme: “Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security”.

Represented by the Commander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command (NACWC), Major General Mohammed Tanimu Abdullahi, the Army Chief stated that the carefully chosen theme underscored the vital role of accountability, balance, and responsibility in the reportage of military operations — particularly in a joint environment, where collaboration among security agencies were indispensable.

“Let us remember that while weapons win battles, truth and trust win wars. Our collective mission is to ensure that the Nigerian public remains accurately informed, confident in its Armed Forces, and united behind the cause of national security.

“In an era where the battle for hearts and minds is as critical as the battle on the field, responsible media reportage has become a key enabler of operational success. The perception of the Nigerian Army — and indeed all security agencies — is largely shaped by the narratives carried in the media space.

“With the rise of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the speed and reach of information — both genuine and false — have multiplied. Fake news, manipulated images, and deepfakes now pose real threats to national cohesion and operational integrity.

“Therefore, our collective task is not only to counter misinformation but to ensure that truth and verified facts dominate public discourse.”

Recognising that victory today is not won solely on the battlefield, Oluyede stated that it was increasingly fought in the information domain — where narratives, perceptions, and public confidence are decisive.

House Urges CDS, IG, NSCDC to Intensify Coordinated Security Operations in Kwara

The House of Representatives has called on  the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to intensify deployments and coordinated security operations in Kwara State.

The House also called on the federal government to collaborate with the Kwara State government to establish a forward-operational base in the state to curtail the rising security situation in the state.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion moved at the resumed plenary on Tuesday by a member representing Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, Hon. Tijjani Ismail.

Moving the motion, Ismail expressed concern over the escalating insecurity across constituency which has been marked by violent attacks, killings, and displacement of residents.

He recalled the tragic incident of Sunday, 28th September 2025, in Oke-Ode, where about 15 persons including 11 forest guards and the Baale of Ogbayo among others were killed by armed bandits.

The lawmaker said the persistence of such attacks endangered lives, livelihoods, education, and food security, and could spread further if urgent, coordinated action were not taken.

The House resolved: “Urge the Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police, and Commandant General of the NSCDC to intensify deployments and coordinated security operations in the affected areas;

 “Call on the federal government to collaborate with the Kwara State Government to establish a forward-operational base in the area and a sustainable security framework.”

Contribute to the Fight Against Terrorism, Banditry, PSC Tasks New Police Constables

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has charged newly recruited Police Constables to contribute meaningfully to the fight against terrorism, assist in securing communities from banditry, and strengthen the bond of trust between the Police and the Nigerian people.

In a statement by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission also emphasised that professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights must remain the foundation of their service.

Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), delivered this charge yesterday during the Passing-Out Parade of the newly recruited Police Constables.

Congratulating the new Constables graduating from various Police Colleges across the country, Argungu said the event marked a proud moment for both Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force.

He noted that the Commission, which was constitutionally mandated to recruit into the Nigeria Police Force, was proud to have overseen their admission into the noble profession of policing.

He reminded the new Constables that the Commission will continue to monitor their conduct and performance as they serve the nation, urging them to quickly settle into their responsibilities.