Ex-Army Spokesman Opens Up on Hidden War Nigeria Fought Against Boko Haram’s Propaganda

Ex-Army Spokesman Opens Up on Hidden War Nigeria Fought Against Boko Haram’s Propaganda

Former Army spokesman, Brigadier General Sani Usman (retd.), has revealed that one of the most difficult battles in Nigeria’s war against Boko Haram was not fought with guns, but with words and information.

Speaking during the 35th anniversary celebration of the Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) on Saturday, Usman said the military struggled for years to win the confidence of Nigerians amid the insurgents’ powerful propaganda campaign.

According to him, 2014 was particularly tough as many citizens began to doubt official statements, believing the terrorists’ threats more than the government’s reassurances.

“We were fighting two wars – the physical war against insurgents and another, an information war against their propaganda and misinformation network,” he explained.

He recounted how Boko Haram, under Abubakar Shekau, used social media platforms like YouTube to spread fear, recruit members, and shape public opinion, warning that at the time, even mentioning the group’s name could put individuals at risk.

Usman said the military had to overhaul its communication system to become more transparent and proactive in managing the flow of information, which helped restore some level of public trust.

The insurgency, now in its 15th year, has left thousands dead and displaced millions across the Lake Chad region, with rival extremist groups still battling for dominance.

Meanwhile, the FCT NIPR Chairman, Stanley Ogadigo, commended the institute for 35 years of impactful service and its role in promoting professionalism and ethics in public communication.