Social media, fake news constitute security threats globally – Ribadu

Social media, fake news constitute security threats globally – Ribadu

 

National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, says negative use of the social media constitutes serious threats globally and should be given immediate security priority.

He spoke in Abuja at a meeting with spokespersons of organisations under the umbrella of Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee.

Ribadu also said the preponderance of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation were threats to national security and public engagement.

He stated, “Across the world, we have also assessed the adept use of social media platforms by those who seek power to shape public opinion against citizens.

“This threat is both global and local and presents an immediate national security priority.

“The urgency to prepare and be proactive in our national security strategic communication management is now, and the spokespersons have a critical role to play.”

He urged media managers in the defence, security and response agencies to change their approach in engaging with the public and countering disinformation from enemies of the country.

Ribadu disclosed that the National Security Strategy (NSS) was last reviewed in 2015, a situation that gave rise to the launch of the 2019 version, which he said was now under review.

The NSS document is reviewed every five years in view of the changing dynamics of security threats in the country.

Ribadu said members of the Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee must be proactive and strategic in national security communication management.

He said the spokesmen in the security sector must address the worrying use of the media and social media platforms in creating division between the citizens and governments at various levels.

Ribadu asserted that the National Security Strategy 2019, currently under review, identified strategic communication as an element of national power.