Army reiterates commitment to secure North-Central

The Nigerian Army reiterates the commitment of its troops to work tirelessly to secure communities in the North Central Geo-Political Zone of the country, including Niger State, which have been plagued by terrorist groups and armed bandits.

Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja gave this assurance in his remarks at the 35th Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar, themed “Harnessing Social Media for National Security and Development,” held at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

The COAS, represented by Brig. Gen. H.D. Bobbo, Commander of the 31 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, Minna, and Brig. Gen. T. Ahmed, Commander of the 18 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Bida, each made separate remarks at the seminar.

The event, held in the main hall of the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, was organized by the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Abuja, as part of the Chief of Army Staff’s non-kinetic approach to modern warfare.

The seminar is part of the COAS’s philosophy to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force, achieving constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Niger State Government, represented by Acting Governor Comrade Yakubu Garba, highlighted that the seminar organized by the Nigerian Army through its Department of Civil-Military Affairs was a significant step toward a more secure, informed, and united Nigeria.

Garba commended the Army’s transformative drive as a commendable effort to engage the civilian population through non-kinetic operations and cyber security.

The Acting Governor emphasized that social media has become a powerful tool in shaping perceptions, influencing decisions, and bridging communication gaps.

He stressed the importance of citizens understanding and appreciating the sacrifices and efforts of the armed forces in the digital world. The seminar aimed to bridge the gap between the military and civilians, fostering a better understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and activities of the armed forces.

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It also sought to educate and empower social media influencers, bloggers, youths, and media practitioners to become more responsible and credible voices of truth and integrity.

Garba asserted that the seminar’s cardinal aim was to secure Nigeria, using social media as a platform to counter misinformation and build trust between the military and the public through the accurate dissemination of information about the Nigerian Army’s activities. He emphasized that “building trust between the military and the citizens is paramount.”

The Acting Governor confirmed that the Niger State Government deeply appreciates the Nigerian Army’s commitment to peace, security, and development, which has been instrumental in ensuring the safety and well-being of the people.

He added that the seminar aligned perfectly with the State Governor’s New Niger Agenda, emphasizing the importance of communication, collaboration, and community engagement in achieving the state’s developmental goals.

The seminar theme was explored by renowned researchers and resource persons. Dr. Ehiz Odigie discussed “Leveraging the Use of Social Media for Enhanced National Security and Development,” examining how social media influences governance decisions.

Zainab Olabisi Sak addressed “Understanding the Criticality of Social Media for the Promotion of National Security,” noting that cyberspace is a security concern for state actors that requires collaborative efforts from law enforcement agencies.

Major General Nosakhare Ugbo, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Army Headquarters, emphasized that the Nigerian Army is a professional force established to safeguard and secure Nigeria from internal and external threats.

He highlighted that synergy and partnership between the Army and civilian population are essential for peaceful coexistence. He concluded that harnessing social media for national security and development is crucial for keeping Nigeria safe and protected.