The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has urged officers and soldiers to maintain strict discipline and professionalism in their use of social media platforms.
The GOC gave the charge on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the Second Quarter Social Media Awareness Lecture held at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, Ojuelegba, Lagos.
He was represented at the event by the Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Colonel II Gobir.
According to the commander, the use of social media within the armed forces must be treated as a security-sensitive activity requiring discipline, situational awareness, and adherence to cyber hygiene principles.
The lecture, titled “Impact of Social Media Security on Military Operations and Policy on the Use of Social Media for the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” was delivered by Major MS Abah of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command.
Abah noted that terrorist and hostile groups increasingly exploit social media platforms to spread propaganda, recruit members, coordinate logistics, and raise funds, describing the trend as a growing operational security concern.
He explained that the training was designed to sensitise personnel within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR) on the operational implications of social media use and the importance of maintaining cyber discipline.
The lecture also examined the role of social media within military operations, relevant Defence Headquarters policies, violations of social media regulations by personnel, and the methods employed by terrorist organisations online.
In addition, it outlined general guidelines governing the personal use of social media by officers and soldiers, as well as practices considered prohibited under military regulations.
Also contributing to the session was the Acting Chief Instructor of the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI), Major T. Wenke, who reinforced the importance of responsible online conduct among military personnel.
Participants at the two-day seminar were drawn from various formations and units under the 81 Division Area of Responsibility.
The Nigerian Army said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen operational security, improve professionalism, and reduce vulnerabilities arising from inappropriate use of digital platforms.
