The Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command has held a two-day Social Media Awareness Lecture for personnel of 8 Division in Sokoto. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to promote the responsible use of digital platforms, enhance troops’ understanding of online risks and strengthen operational security.
The social media awareness lecture was declared open by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force Northwest Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Ibrahim Gambari.
In his address, the GOC commended the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command (NACWC) for initiating the program. He described the lecture as timely and highly relevant, reflecting the Army’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and information security,especially given the Division’s active fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other crimes in the North-West.
Addressing the troops, the GOC noted that while social media is an indispensable tool for communication, learning, and public engagement, its misuse poses severe threats to military operations. He stressed that a single careless post, photograph, video, or comment could compromise operational security, expose troop locations, reveal sensitive information, and provide actionable intelligence to criminal elements.
Furthermore, he cautioned personnel against the dangers of misinformation, disinformation and fake news. He explained that such content is frequently weaponized to undermine military operations and erode public confidence in the Armed Forces. Consequently, he reminded the troops that operational security is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the physical battlefield and into the digital space.
Major General Koughna urged all participants to take full advantage of the training. He encouraged them to actively engage, ask questions to clear any doubts, and apply the knowledge gained to operate more effectively and safely in today’s digital landscape.
The two-day lecture featured expert presentations on a variety of topics, including responsible social media usage, operational security, digital ethics, information management, and strategies for identifying and countering misinformation and disinformation.
