By: Aaron Mike Odeh
When Major General Mike Enenche Onoja assumed office as the Director Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters, expectations were modest but urgent. In a world where information travels faster than bullets and narratives often shape conflicts more powerfully than weapons, militaries across the globe face a new kind of battlefield — one dominated by perception, truth, and trust. For Nigeria, a nation juggling internal security operations, public scepticism, and a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the need for credible, timely, and responsible communication became increasingly unavoidable.
Gen. Onoja stepped into this arena with a quiet determination and a clear mission: restore public confidence, build a communication structure anchored on verified facts, and ensure that the Nigerian Armed Force’s voice is credible both at home and abroad. Today, security analysts and international observers are beginning to take notice of what they call a new “communication renaissance” within Nigeria’s military establishment.
*A New Style for a New Era*
In recent years, the global security environment has experienced a dramatic shift. Conflicts now unfold in the court of public opinion as much as in physical terrain. Militaries worldwide — from Washington to New Delhi, London to Pretoria — have had to modernize their communications strategy to keep pace with ambitious online misinformation networks, hostile non-state actors, and sophisticated propaganda machinery.
Onoja is emerging at a moment when Nigeria urgently needs that kind of strategic recalibration. His approach is anchored on three clear pillars: transparency, timeliness, and data-driven reporting.
International media organizations who monitor African defence institutions note a striking change in the tone and speed of Nigerian military updates. Reports are now more structured, more factual, and more aligned with global standards of conflict communication. The shift may seem subtle to the untrained eye, but to security watchers, it signals something deeper: a deliberate effort to professionalize military messaging.
*Reputation as an Asset*
Before stepping into the role, Gen. Onoja had built a reputation within military circles for discipline, analytical thinking, and an unusually calm temperament — a critical trait in an environment where adrenaline and perception can distort judgement.
Colleagues describe him as a “strategic communicator with a soldier’s heart,” someone who understands the weight of every statement issued by the military. In an age where a poorly communicated press release can spark panic, trigger diplomatic misunderstanding, or fuel propaganda, Onoja is intentionally reshaping the communication culture within the Defence establishment.
His guiding philosophy is simple but profound: “Credibility is the military’s most powerful asset.”
*Fighting Misinformation as a National Security Issue*
For years, the Nigerian military faced challenges from unverified social media reports, viral rumours, and a growing mistrust in official statements. At times, fabricated claims spread by insurgent groups or politically motivated actors travelled further than verified military updates.
Onoja recognized immediately that misinformation is not merely a nuisance — it is a national security threat.
International scholars studying counterterrorism note that extremist groups often rely on communication platforms as much as they rely on weapons. Their aim is to shape narratives, weaken public morale, and exploit confusion. To counter this, modern militaries must operate with precision and speed.
Under Onoja’s leadership, the Defence Media Directorate began implementing real-time fact-checking mechanisms, deploying rapid-response communication teams, and strengthening relationships with credible national and foreign journalists. His team now works around the clock to intercept false narratives before they shape public perception.
*Accessibility and Human-Centered Communication*
One of the most noticeable changes under his tenure is the improvement in media accessibility. Journalists — particularly those working for international publications — have long complained about slow responses, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and restricted access to verifiable field data.
Onoja has started breaking that wall.
He introduced structured media briefings, more responsive communication channels, and a reformed process for clarifying sensitive information. While security considerations still limit certain details, reporters now say the Defence Headquarters communication arm is more approachable, more organized, and more in tune with global standards.
A foreign correspondent covering West African security says, “There’s a visible attempt to improve clarity and reduce ambiguity. The communication style is becoming more professional and more consistent.”
*Digital Transformation in Military Messaging*
Globally, defence institutions are moving toward digital-first communication systems — not as a branding exercise, but as a strategic necessity. Recognizing this, Onoja pushed for modernization across the channels operated by the Defence media department.
This includes Faster integration of verified multimedia evidence, Enhanced social media presence, Better alignment between field reports and headquarters dispatches, Improved public awareness content designed to counter panic during operations, Adoption of crisis communication protocols that align with international best practices. The digital transition has helped the Defence Headquarters explain complex security operations in a manner ordinary citizens can absorb without distortion.
*Bridging the Civil–Military Trust Gap*
In nations dealing with internal conflict, the relationship between civilians and the military can be fragile. Suspicion and misunderstanding can widen that gap, sometimes unintentionally fuelled by poorly communicated operations.
Onoja’s strategy includes community-oriented communication, allowing citizens to better understand the challenges soldiers face, the risks inherent in operations, and the successes achieved across various theatres.
Through clearer reporting, Nigerians are gaining a better perspective of the military’s role, sacrifices, and operational limitations. For the first time in years, analysts can track security progress through structured, data-supported updates rather than fragmented speculation.
*International Perception and Diplomatic Relevance*
Nigeria’s security situation is closely monitored by global partners. The quality of military communication often influences diplomatic engagement, counter-terrorism collaboration, and humanitarian coordination.
A more transparent communication structure under Gen. Onoja has contributed to improved trust between Nigeria and several international defence watchers. This does not erase the complexities of security operations, but it enhances Nigeria’s credibility in the global arena — a factor increasingly important in multilateral military collaboration.
*Leadership Through Stability*
Perhaps Gen. Onoja’s greatest strength is his ability to stabilize an institution that handles one of the heaviest responsibilities within the military — managing the narrative of a nation in conflict.
Communication experts note that he is not flamboyant, nor does he chase headlines. Instead, he prioritizes accuracy, measured responses, and institutional discipline. His briefings often carry a tone that is firm yet professional, ensuring Nigerians receive both clarity and reassurance without sensationalism.
This leadership style is slowly cultivating a communication culture rooted in integrity — a legacy that could outlast his tenure.
*A New Benchmark for the Future*
As Nigeria confronts evolving security challenges, the role of the Defence Media Directorate will remain crucial. The success of the military, in many ways, depends on public confidence, accurate reporting, and the ability to win the information war.
Gen. Mike Enenche Onoja’s reforms may still be in early stages, but they represent a much-needed modernization of military communication strategy. Analysts believe that if sustained, his approach could set a new benchmark for defence communication not just in Nigeria, but across West Africa.
In a world flooded with misinformation, clarity has become a form of national defence — and under Onoja, the Nigerian military is learning to wield it with precision.
Aaron Mike Odeh, A Public Affairs Analyst, Media Consultant and Community Development Advocator, Writes from Post Army Housing Estate Kurudu Abuja