Social Media, Antidote To Endless Boko Haram War – Buratai

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General T.Y Buratai on Thursday, attributed challenges facing information security particularly in the effort of the military fight against the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, and other parts of the country to the effects of the social media.

Buratai, who was represented by GOC 7 Division Nigeria Army, Brigadier General Ibrahim Yusuf at the 3rd Quarter workshop organised for Clerks in the Army on information management and document security said, information security is often being used by misguided personnel contrary to the service rules.

According to the Army Chief, the Nigerian Army extant policy on the use of social media prohibits among others, use of social media to discuss or disclose services matters.

“It is very unfortunate and unprofessional for example for service personnel to resort to social media to disclose classified information or express grievances when the Nigerian Army has well established channels for addressing complaints. It is equally saddening to find operational incidents and occurrences including gory pictures involving own personnel’s and equipments being circulated on social media by troops to the embarrassment of the service and affected families.” Buratai said

He observed that, as Clerks, who are actively involved in the drafting of massages to getting them typed, corrected and dissemination of same after release, they should also know that, they are involved in maintaining the safety and security of correspondences released, received or treated.

Buratai, therefore, said, there is no gainsaying that, Clerks are essential elements in documents and information security.

“You, therefore, need to remain constantly vigilant, alert and refreshed about your enormous duties and responsibilities. You are fully aware that our operations involved your lives, and that of your colleague and comrades who rely on the output from your work to take operational actions,” he added.

Also speaking at the workshop, the Director Manpower and Planning, Department of Administration, Army Headquarter, Brig. General Farouk Yahaya said, the Nigerian Army has gone at great length to source for competent resource persons to handle the workshop.

According to him, the “A Team Professional” who are former military officer would share their experience during the two days workshop.