Engage Nigerians to counter disinformation, Ribadu tasks security spokespersons

National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday, said that spokespersons in the Defence, Security and Response Agencies must change their approach to engaging with the public and countering disinformation from enemies of the country.

Mallam Ribadu who stated this at a meeting with the spokespersons under the umbrella of Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee in Abuja, pointed out that they must be proactive and strategic in national security communication management.

The NSA added that they must also adopt a plan of action to engage Nigerians, build trust, and counter violent extremism.

He also charged them to synergise and coordinate efforts in denying media space to criminal elements like Boko Haram, IPOB, and other subversives bent on denying citizens freedoms to life, dignity, and security.

According to him, “The spokesmen must also address the worrying use of the media and social media platforms to create a divide between citizens and governments at various levels“.

Other threats he said, were the preponderance of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.

”Across the world, we have also assessed the adept use of social media platforms by those who seek power to shape public opinion against citizens.

”This threat is both global and local and presents an immediate national security priority.

”The urgency to prepare and be proactive in our national security strategic communication management is now, and the spokespersons have a critical role to play,” the NSA said.

He added that the National Security Strategy 2019 currently under review, identified strategic communication as an element of national power.

He therefore said that the strategy should be integrated into all aspects including information operations, psychological operations, public diplomacy, and public relations, to project the country’s national power and values.

Mallam Ribadu said the spokesmen needed to adopt a plan of action to engage Nigerians, build trust, and counter violent extremism, taking into account the personal sacrifices of service personnel.

”Upon the sweat and blood of service personnel and the men and women who protect us daily, we must build a narrative of resilience and mobilise our people.

”We must tell their stories and sing their praise as part of a broader national strategic communication programme.

”As spokespersons, you have a critical role to play in effective governance communication to project our results and reach audiences at home and abroad.

”Countering fake news will require that we are ahead of the news and proactively update the public,” he added.

Mallam Ribadu promised to ensure that going forward, government communication aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision and directives, and the messages well-coordinated and in line with national security strategic objectives and values.