The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Nigerian Army to strengthen security and protect lives and property across the state.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Kuru, stated this during the 45th Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar held at Julie Rose Hotel and Studio near the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).
The seminar, which was themed “Emerging Trends in Social Media Impact on National Security,” brought together key stakeholders from across the security and civil space.
Attendees included personnel from the Nigerian Army, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), alongside students, digital content creators and members of the public.
In a statement issued on Saturday via the state government’s official website, Dr Kuru praised the Army leadership under the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. W. Shuaibu Nam, for convening the engagement.
He stressed that the state government remained ready to partner with the military and other security institutions whenever the need arises.
He emphasised that safeguarding the nation was a collective duty and not the exclusive preserve of uniformed personnel.
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“Security responsibility does not rest only with those who carry weapons,” he said. “It also lies with those who carry mobile phones.”
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Lt Gen Nam, represented by Major General J. E. Usifo, Director-General of the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation, underscored the importance of strategic collaboration in addressing modern security challenges.
He explained that the Army’s command philosophy prioritised cooperation, synergy and engagement with vital stakeholders, particularly social media practitioners and influencers.
The Army chief further promoted a “whole-of-society” strategy in tackling Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency (CTCOIN) operations, noting that such an approach required community participation, intelligence sharing and responsible civic engagement.
Highlighting the country’s evolving security threats, he referenced insurgency and terrorism in the North-East, banditry extending from the North-West into the North-Central, separatist agitations and extremist violence in the South-East, as well as militancy and oil theft in the South-South.
While acknowledging that counter-insurgency campaigns worldwide record both victories and setbacks, he warned that misinformation and sensational reporting could undermine operational efforts.
According to him, the spread of fake news and misleading narratives weakens troop morale, distorts public perception and disrespects fallen personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice.
He therefore urged social media users and media professionals to exercise responsibility, avoid biased reporting and refrain from circulating AI-generated false content.
He added that the Nigerian Army continued to value constructive support from citizens and media stakeholders.
