The Nigerian Army has issued a stern warning about the dangers of social media misuse, highlighting its potential role in fuelling insecurity across the nation.
In a recent seminar held in Lokoja, the commander of the Nigeria Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General A.A. Ayanuga, stressed the harmful consequences of using social media to spread dangerous messages, videos, and voice notes.
The 38th edition of the Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar, themed “Cultivating a Culture of Security Awareness Through Social Media,” sought to address the growing concern over the reckless use of social media in the country.
Major General Ayanuga emphasized that social media, while offering tremendous benefits, also presents serious challenges for national security.
“Social media has evolved into a powerful tool that profoundly influences the security landscape of societies worldwide,” Ayanuga stated.
He continued, “As we navigate the vast expanse of social media, we must recognise the transformative power it holds. However, this freedom comes with immense responsibility.”
Ayanuga pointed out that the spread of misinformation, hate speech, online harassment, and other harmful content on social platforms has serious repercussions for Nigeria’s peaceful coexistence.
He warned that the reckless sharing of misleading content not only damages public trust but also destabilizes communities, fueling insecurity.
“The misuse of social media to propagate damaging narratives has severe consequences for national security,” he said.
Army Leaders Call for Responsibility in Social Media Use
During the seminar, the Nigerian Army’s Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Major General N.C. Ugbo, reiterated the growing importance of social media in modern-day warfare.
Represented by B.S. Keji, Major General Ugbo described social media as an essential tool in the ongoing asymmetric warfare Nigeria faces.
He emphasized that the Nigerian Army recognizes social media’s power to shape public perception and influence national security.
Ugbo said, “It presents an invaluable opportunity for those who recognize the transformative capabilities of social media to connect and collaborate. That is why we are here to explore ways to harness social media’s potential, counter misinformation, and promote national unity.”
He stressed the need for responsible online actions, reminding attendees that everything shared on social media has far-reaching effects.
As social media has become a platform where truth and falsehoods can easily spread, Ugbo urged citizens to be mindful of the content they engage with and share.
Kogi Governor Warns of Social Media’s Dual Impact
The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, echoed the concerns raised by the military, acknowledging that while social media holds the potential to spread important and life-saving information, its misuse could have severe consequences.
In his speech, delivered by the State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara, the Governor called attention to how social media can shape public opinion, particularly on sensitive issues like national security.
“We must acknowledge the ever-growing role social media plays in shaping perceptions, guiding public discourse, and driving action on important issues like national security,” Ododo said.
He highlighted the dual nature of social media, noting that while it can foster positive change, it can also be used to spread falsehoods and deepen divisions.
“The same platforms that enable the rapid spread of life-saving information can also be harnessed to propagate falsehoods, fuel divisions, and escalate tensions,” he added.
This misuse, he warned, can destabilize communities and even the nation as a whole.
The Need for Security Awareness Across Nigeria
Governor Ododo emphasized that fostering security awareness is a collective responsibility, one that requires engagement and collaboration across all sectors of society.
“It is imperative for us to cultivate a culture of security awareness that equips our citizens, especially the youth, with the right knowledge to distinguish between fact and fiction,” he explained.
He stressed the importance of teaching people to recognize credible sources and understand their role in maintaining peace and security.
“Social media is not just a space for personal interactions but a global stage for conversations that influence real-world outcomes,” Ododo pointed out.
