The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, issued a stern warning yesterday, emphasizing that the misuse of social media constitutes both local and global threats. He underscored the urgency of addressing this issue as an immediate national security priority.

Ribadu revealed that the National Security Strategy (NSS), last reviewed in 2015, is currently undergoing a comprehensive update. The 2019 version, now under scrutiny, aims to fortify Nigeria’s security landscape.

Speaking at a high-level meeting with spokespersons from various organizations under the umbrella of the Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee, Ribadu urged media managers within defense, security, and response agencies to recalibrate their public engagement strategies. Their mission: combat disinformation propagated by adversaries.

Simultaneously, detained terrorist negotiator Mohammed Tukur Mamu sought relief from the Federal High Court in Abuja. His plea? A transfer from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Correctional Centre in Kuje, located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The NSS undergoes periodic reviews every five years, adapting to the evolving dynamics of security threats within the nation. Ribadu emphasized that members of the Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee must adopt proactive and strategic approaches to national security communication management.

In a candid assessment, Ribadu highlighted the perilous impact of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation on public engagement. He called for vigilance, emphasizing that media and social media platforms should not exacerbate divisions between citizens and government entities.

Ribadu concluded, “Globally, we face similar challenges, and our response must be resolute.”