Nigerian Army Charges Over 1,000 Youths to Fight Fake News Online

Nigerian Army Empowers 1,000 Youths to Fight Fake News Online
The Nigerian Army has taken a bold step in shaping responsible social media use by training over 1,000 youths in Adamawa State. The initiative, which aligns with national security efforts, was part of the Army’s 39th Social Media Seminar held in Yola.
The event aimed at educating young people on the power of social media and the need for responsible online engagement. Participants, including students, journalists, bloggers, social media influencers, and corps members, gained valuable insights into how their digital activities impact national security.

Speaking at the seminar, Major General Emmanuel Ndagi, Director of Research and Development at the Defense Headquarters, highlighted social media’s power as a tool for information dissemination.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, he stressed the importance of responsible online behavior and the role of youth in safeguarding national security.
Major General Gold Chibuisi, Chief of Civil Military Affairs (Army, Air Force, and Navy), emphasized that reckless online behavior could pose a serious threat to national security.
He urged participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge to promoting unity and responsible digital interactions.
The seminar featured presentations from experts on topics such as “Building an Online Presence for National Security” and “Positive Advocacy through Social Media for Enhanced National Security.”
These discussions reshaped participants’ understanding of their roles in digital spaces and encouraged ethical online behavior.
Dr. Ehiz Odigie Okpataku, a media and security expert, spoke on the need to create positive content that fosters national peace. Similarly, Mrs. Zainab Saka addressed the role of social media advocacy in enhancing security and social cohesion.
Captain C. Owen, an officer with the Nigerian Army, provided a detailed explanation of the Army’s role in security operations and its strategies for crime prevention. He reiterated that while the military remains committed to using force when necessary, non-kinetic approaches, such as public enlightenment and strategic partnerships, remain vital tools for conflict resolution.
The event also provided a platform for open dialogue between the Nigerian Army and key stakeholders in the media and digital space. Journalists, bloggers, and social media influencers exchanged ideas on how to use digital platforms to foster national unity and integration.
Participants expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army for organizing the seminar, describing it as a timely intervention in addressing the dangers of misinformation and fake news. Many highlighted how the training transformed their perspectives on social media usage and digital responsibility.
Certificates of attendance were awarded to participants as a symbol of their commitment to ethical online engagement. The initiative not only equipped them with digital literacy skills but also instilled a sense of civic responsibility, encouraging them to use their platforms for peacebuilding and national development.
This training marks another significant step in the Nigerian Army’s efforts to bridge the gap between security agencies and the digital community. By educating young people on the impact of their online actions, the military hopes to curb misinformation, enhance national security, and promote positive digital advocacy.
As social media continues to shape public opinion, initiatives like this remain crucial in fostering responsible digital citizenship. The Nigerian Army’s commitment to engaging with young people in meaningful ways highlights the importance of collaboration in ensuring national stability.
I am a participant of the Training,it’s educative, I acquired acknowledge,skills for joint hands and collaboration with security agencies to rescue our fathers Land from enemies insurgent and their supporters internationally, GOD bless Nigerian Army for their sacrificing themselves to save to the nation so that to maintain peace and order by protecting lives and property of the innocent citizens of the country.
As a civilians personal I am colling for us to understand that Military,soldiers or any form of security agencies they are “NOT ” our enemies eg. *Security personal have beloved Fathers and Mothers *They have their wife and children *They have families such as relatives *They are needful intarms shelter, being a wealthy, but they are not after that.
All what I mentioned at the above,our “HEROES” are not considering it sacrifice is their gold targeting the internal intelligence and external aggression by foreigners.
The challenges that we are facing in Nigeria today is because of our “NATURAL RESOURCES” or Natural endowment because any resources here in world we have it.
Thse insecurity is not our business but rational behind it we have to think.They developed countries they did not want underdeveloped or third world countries to develop.
My suggestion here is to weak up and face the challenges confronting Nigeria if not one day one time we will a diaspora Lee’s work together and rescue country from neocolnisation.
Sin.
By Adamu Isa Abubakar for inquiry 08033833269