ARMY WARNS OFFICERS AGAINST GIVING OUT INFORMATION ON FACEBOOK

The Nigerian Army on Monday warned its officers against disseminating sensitive operational information on the social media.

The Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy, Maj.-Gen. Chukwuemeka Onwuamaegbu, gave the warning at the opening of the second quarter study meeting of officers of the Directorate of Army Public Relations, in Kaduna.

Onwuamaegbu said although the social media had a global appeal, the officers must be cautious in using it to avert security breach.

He said, “In addition to all the benefits we can get from the new media, we also have drawbacks. I have personally seen a few postings on Facebook, twitter by service personnel that should not be there.

“So I hope that during this period, they will be able to know the disadvantages of the new media to be able to caution service personnel about some of these postings that should not be there in the cyber.’’

The commandant advised the directorate to engage more vibrant officers with knowledge on the new media to assist in monitoring activities on the social media.

Also, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, said the study period would be used to train officers on the use of the social media in line with contemporary challenges.

Attahiru said, “The directorate intends to use the social media not only to tell the Nigerian Army’s story, but it also intends to use the social media to listen.”

“Social media remains a powerful communications tool. When used correctly, social media can help the NA reach an enormous audience. Social media can help the NA engage in conversation while at the same time promoting awareness.’’