Army Cautions Troops Against Reckless Social Media Use
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has urged officers and soldiers within the division’s Area of Responsibility to maintain discipline, professionalism, and strict cyber hygiene while using social media platforms.
The charge was delivered on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the Second Quarter Social Media Awareness Lecture held at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, Ojuelegba, Lagos.
Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff Administration, Colonel II Gobir, the GOC stressed that social media usage within the Armed Forces of Nigeria should be regarded as a security-sensitive activity requiring discipline, situational awareness, and responsible conduct.
According to him, improper use of social media could pose significant operational and security risks to military personnel and national security.
Delivering a lecture titled, “Impact of Social Media Security on Military Operations and Policy on the Use of Social Media for the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Major MS Abah of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command warned that terrorist groups and hostile actors increasingly exploit social media platforms for propaganda, logistics coordination, recruitment, and fundraising.
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He noted that the seminar was designed to sensitise personnel within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility on the implications of social media usage on military operations and the importance of maintaining sound cyber hygiene practices.
Major Abah explained that the lecture covered key areas including the role of social media in the Nigerian Army, exploitation of digital platforms by terrorists and criminal groups, Defence Headquarters’ policy guiding social media use by Armed Forces personnel, and penalties for violations of established regulations.
He further highlighted tactics commonly employed by terrorists and criminal networks on social media platforms, while also outlining approved guidelines for the personal and official use of social media by officers and soldiers.
The resource person also discussed prohibited practices associated with social media usage and emphasised the need for personnel to avoid actions capable of compromising military operations or exposing sensitive information.
Also contributing to discussions at the seminar was the Acting Chief Instructor of the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI), Major T. Wenke.
Participants at the two-day seminar were drawn from formations and units across the 81 Division Area of Responsibility.
By PRNigeria
