……….Advocates For Ethical Usage That Fosters National Security
By Katherine Abayomi
The Nigerian Army has renewed its call for the ethical and responsible use of social media, warning that misinformation, fake news and the negative deployment of digital platforms and artificial intelligence tools could undermine national security.
The call was made by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the 45th edition of the Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar held in Port Harcourt on February 18, 2026. Shaibu was represented at the event by Major General Osifo. The seminar was themed “Emerging Trends on Social Media: Impact on National Security.”
Shaibu said social media has grown into a powerful communication tool with over five billion users globally, shaping public opinion and influencing national discourse, including sensitive security matters. He urged journalists, media professionals and social media influencers to adhere strictly to international best practices, stressing accuracy, accountability and truthful engagement, particularly in reporting security-related issues.
According to him, the spread of misinformation, fake news and AI-driven disinformation has the capacity to demoralise troops, distort public perception and threaten national stability. He noted that Nigeria’s complex security environment, marked by insurgency, banditry, militancy, cyber threats and violent crimes, makes responsible communication more critical than ever.
The Army chief emphasised a whole-of-society approach to security, calling for stronger collaboration among security agencies, media practitioners and citizens to support counter-terrorism and broader national security efforts. He added that truthful and responsible reporting helps to build public trust, strengthen national unity and honour the sacrifices of security personnel.
In a paper presentation titled “Promoting Peace and Trust Through Responsible Online Engagement,” Dr Zainab Saka urged social media users to think carefully before posting content online. She cautioned against emotional or inflammatory posts, cyberbullying, hate speech and content capable of inciting ethnic tension or conflict, stressing that safeguarding national security is a shared responsibility of both security agencies and citizens.
Also speaking, Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, said the misuse of social media often fuels negative public sentiment and can contribute to civil unrest through the spread of false information. He called for the promotion of a positive social media culture that discourages misinformation, hate speech and divisive narratives.
Quoting former U.S. President Barack Obama, Shaibu reminded participants that social media is ultimately a tool whose impact depends on how it is used, urging citizens to deploy it in ways that promote peace, unity and national development.
Representing the Rivers State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Commander of Narcotics, Ugochukwu Oliaemeka, said findings indicate a worrying link between drug abuse and insecurity. She noted that a significant number of drug abuse cases involve young people, including females, and warned that social media exposure often plays a role in influencing such behaviour. She stressed that reducing drug abuse would significantly help in curbing insecurity and called for greater caution in the use of online platforms.
Participants at the seminar expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for what they described as a well-structured and impactful engagement, calling for more trainings of similar nature in the future.
The seminar forms part of the Nigerian Army’s broader stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at promoting responsible online behaviour and strengthening national security awareness across the country.
