Author: Sumaila Ogbaje

NGOs tasks families on championing fight against drug abuse
NGOs tasks families on championing fight against drug abuse

Drugs
By Sumaila Ogbaje/Angela Atabo
Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Grace Thomas Foundation in collaboration with Christopher Oghogho Foundation, have called on families especially parents to be at the forefront in the fight against drug abuse to build a better society.
The Non-Governmental Organisations made the call at a Women and Family Drug Education Programme (WOFADEP) with the theme “The Role of Family in Drug Abuse Prevention’’ on Thursday in Abuja.
The Chief Executive Officer, Grace Thomas Foundation, Mrs Rejoice Henry-Wesley, said the move to address drug abuse from the family level was imperative.
Henry-Wesley said that the drug use was a universal problem that transcends boundaries and could affect any family.
According to her, when drug user is discovered within a family, it often leads to considerable stress, conflicts, and a pervasive sense of helplessness.
“The associated shame can cause both the family and the individual using drugs to deny the problem, further complicating the path to recovery and support.
“The Grace Thomas foundation was birthed out of my personal experience of losing a beloved sister to substance abuse.
“It was very tragic and because of that experience, we are inspired to enlighten and educate people so that they don’t go through the same struggles that my family suffered when my sister was abusing drugs,’’ she said.
Henry-Wesley said that education could reduce substance abuse by 50 per cent adding that educating the family would help in reducing drug abuse.
She advised women to stay close to their children, look out for the signs and be their children’s friends so as to be able to stop them from making wrong friends.
According to her, mothers should to also enlighten their children and let them know the dangers of abuse of drugs.
She said the event was organised with the aim to tackle the problem of drug abuse from a family perspective, emphasising the crucial role that families could play in preventing the menace.
Mrs Celina Onogwu, Member of Christopher Oghogho Foundation for Women, Girls and Youth, said there was need to sensitise Nigerians on the use of drug, particularly with the families especially with women.
Onogwu said that drug abuse was gradually taking over the society, adding that more women were involved in it which had affected families negatively.
She said the foundations had brought stakeholders to share information and experiences to enable families and people involved in drug abuse to know the effects.
“It is to also help family members to know what to do. So it is very important that this is happening right now.
“We the Christopher Oghogho Foundation, since we are focused on making sure that we contribute to society positively, we are joining them to make this possible, to give them our full support,’’ she added.
A representative of NDLEA, Precious Oyutu, an Assistant Commander of Narcotics, said that it was necessary to start the fight against drug abuse from the family level since all abuser came from families.
Oyutu said that educating the families on coping strategies and the way they should talk to their children was imperative in tackling the menace of substance abuse.
According to her, the pivotal role of family in preventing drug abuse cannot be overstated.
“By fostering and nurturing family environments, establishing supportive networks, and advocating for comprehensive preventive measures, society can create a resilient foundation that mitigates the risks and impacts of substance abuse,’’ she said.
A member of Women of Worth, Edith Bagorma, said that the issue of drugs abuse was becoming worrisome and it was apt for organisations to collaborate to address the menace.
Bagorma urged women to drive the fight against drug abuse being the closest to their children, urging stakeholders to leverage their collective effort to tackle drug abuse. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
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June 27, 2024
Troops repel attack on police station, kill 5 terrorists in Ebonyi – Army
Troops repel attack on police station, kill 5 terrorists in Ebonyi – Army
Attack
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 27,2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Army says its troops deployed for counter-terrorism operations in Ebonyi on Thursday repelled an attack by suspected IPOB terrorists on Isheke Police Station killing five terrorists.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Thursday in Abuja.
Nwachukwu said the attack on the police station resulted in the torching of the facility and several vehicles.
He said that the troops, on arrival at the scene, launched a counter-attack on the terrorists overpowering and compelling them to flee in disarray.
According to him, troops engaged the terrorists in a hot pursuit, leading to an intense gun battle, which resulted in the elimination of the five suspected terrorists and seizure of several weapons.
“The troops recovered one PKT Machine Gun with a link belt containing 94 rounds of ammunition, two AK-47 rifles with three magazines, containing 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and one Sub Machine Gun with a magazine.
Troops also recovered a Sienna SUV with registration number Ebonyi CHR-364JC.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to operate in synergy with sister services and other security agencies to combat the terrorists’ activities by IPOB and its armed affiliate, the ESN.
“We urge all law-abiding citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement or activity to the security agencies,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannwes.ng)
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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
June 27, 2024
Why military should exploit artificial intelligence for operational efficiency – CNS
Why military should exploit artificial intelligence for operational efficiency – CNS
Operations
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has called for the Armed Forces of Nigeria to exploit the potentials of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to achieve operational efficiency in their operations.
Ogalla made the call at the Second Quarter 2024 Defence Headquarters and Services Departments/Branches Transformation Seminar, hosted by the Nigerian Navy, on Thursday in Abuja.
The theme of the seminar was “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence as a Transformation Tool in Contemporary Military Operations”.
According to him, the seminar came at a time the armed forces was exploiting transformational and innovative initiatives towards enhancing operational efficiency in line with best practices.
Ogalla said the complexity of security challenges across the nation underscored the need for innovative strategies and initiatives, adding that emphasis had been on modernisation of hardware and equipment for enhanced national security.
He said the technological innovations required extensive application of artificial intelligence in conjunction with research and development.
“We are cautious of the fact that the application of artificial intelligence has permitted all spheres of human endeavor, particularly in the field of finance, medical, space, technology, agriculture, logistics, among several other areas.
“It is in fact the future of military operations and we must, therefore, ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria meets up with this evolving technological achievement.
“Our armed forces must, therefore, prioritise artificial intelligence in order to achieve the desired innovation and transformation for enhanced operational readiness and effectiveness.
“This is the desired goal which you, as leaders of the transformation branch of the various services, must work to actualise.
“I therefore encourage us to use these two days to brainstorm on critical issues and challenges in inherent in the application of artificial intelligence for improved operational efficiency.
“This is because everything that has advantages must have some disadvantages.
“So as much as we want to exploit the advantages of AI, we must also be able to surmount those inherent challenges and disadvantages that could arise from them,” he said.
The Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Rear Adm. Michael Oamen, said the seminar was specially designed to explore viable options for integrating artificial intelligence as a veritable tool for improving operational effectiveness in the armed forces.
Oamen said it was aimed at identifying and encouraging innovations, as well as research and development with a view to building capacity and capabilities of the armed forces in support of national security imperatives.
According to him, the second quarter’s seminar has been programmed for two days to cover topics on artificial intelligence in defence transformation, a potential tool for enhancing operational efficiency in the armed forces.
He added that the second paper would be leveraging artificial intelligence for enhanced research and development towards transforming military operations lessons for the emphasis of Nigeria.
“It is hoped that proceedings from this seminar will serve as a veritable platform for charting workable strategies.
“This will improve the integration of artificial intelligent defence research and development, as well as drive transformational and innovative aspirations in the services,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Sadiya Hamza
June 27, 2024
Military kills 2, 245 terrorists, apprehends 3,682 others in 3 months
Military kills 2, 245 terrorists, apprehends 3,682 others in 3 months
Terrorists
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Defence Headquarters says the troops of the armed forces have in neutralised 2,245 terrorists, apprehended 3,682 terrorists and criminal elements and rescued 1,993 kidnapped hostages between April and June.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military in the second quarter, on Thursday in Abuja.
Buba said the troops recovered 2,783 weapons, 64,547 ammunitions and denied the oil thieves of an estimated sum over N10 billion during the period.
He said the arms and ammunition recovered includeed 1,169 AK47 rifles, 36,273 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 14,764 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 713 assorted arms and 9,850 assorted ammo.
Others, according to him, are 9.2 million litres of stolen crude oil, 2.8 million litres of illegally refined AGO, 29,900 litres of DPK and 31,380 litres of PMS amongst other item.
In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted operations deep in terrorist enclaves in Sambisa Forest and the Tumbuns of the Lake Chad Region targeted at terrorist commanders and leaders strongholds.
He said the operations denied terrorists the ability to carry out major offensive as well as diminished the their offensive capability, saying the terrorist were limited to low level skirmishes and attacks, mostly on soft targets.
According to him, troops neutralised 857 terrorist, arrested 913 suspects and rescued 594 kidnapped hostages during the second quarter of the year.
“Additionally, troops recorded a total of 4,582 surrendered BH/ISWAP terrorists combatants and their families.
“Troops dismantled the terrorist military capabilities by recovering 559 AK47 rifles, 151 fabricated rifles, 181 dane guns, 157 assorted arms, 13,493 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5,409 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 4,921 assorted ammunitions.
“The air component of Operation Hadin Kai in the second quarter of the year conducted air interdictions to terrorists enclaves at Mandara mountain, Maradun, Southern Tumbun Fulani and several other locations in the NE.
“Several terrorist enclaves and hideouts were destroyed killing terrorist leaders, commanders and foot soldiers as well as destroying their logistics dumps,” he added.
In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralized 130 terrorist violent extremist, arrested 544 suspects and rescued 277 kidnap hostages.
He added that the troops also recovered 39 AK47 rifles, 37 fabricated guns, 126 assorted arms, 3,852 rounds of 7.62mm special, 827 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 499 assorted ammunitions.
Under Operation Whirl Stroke, he said the troops with the support of sister services had emplaced measures to minimise communal clashes and optimised operations against terrorist and their cohorts.
Buba said the troops neutralised 138 terrorist, arrested 377 suspects and rescued 204 kidnapped hostages as well as recovery of 63 AK47 rifles, 110 assorted arms, 3,563 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1,524 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 649 assorted ammunitions.
In the North West, he said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 764 terrorist, arrested 673 suspects and rescued 592 kidnap hostages.
According to him, troops recovered 420 AK47 rifles, 126 fabricated guns, 174 assorted arms, 9,893 rounds of 7.62mm special, 4,678 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 1,239 assorted ammunitions.
He said the Air componen conducted air interdiction to terrorists enclaves/camps in Kankara, Zurmi, Danmusa, Maradun and Gusau as well as other areas within Katsina and Zamfara States.
According to him, several terrorist leaders and commanders were wiped off the battlefield via air interdictions conducted.
Under Operation Whirl Punch, defence spokesman said the troops neutralised 170 terrorist, arrested 366 suspects and rescued 178 kidnap hostages in the last three months.
He added that the troops recovered 60 AK47 rifles, 88 assorted arms, 2,016 rounds of 7.62mm special, 924 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 88 assorted ammunitions.
Accordobg to him, the air component conducted air strikes on terrorists enclave at Mariga, Kabago, Alawa Forest, Kwaki forest, East Getamiya, Katarma, Chikun, Kuduru, Giwa and several other area in which terrorist hibernate within in Niger and Kaduna States.
In the South -South, Buba said the toops of Operation Delta Safe, neutralised 14 violent extremist and arrested 455 persons involved in crude oil theft.
He said the troops also recovered 9.2 millio litres of stolen crude oil, 2.8 million litres of AGO, 29,900 litres of DPK and 31,380 litres of PMS, as well as recovered 2,752 assorted weapons.
According to him, troops also discovered and destroyed 243 wooden boats, 2,752 assorted ammunitions and 543 illegal refining sites within the quarter.
In the South-East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA conducted rigorous clearance operation across the theatre to frustrate the activities of IPOB/ESN group and maintain peace in the region.
According to him, troops neutralised 180 terrorist, arrested 354 suspects and rescued 149 kidnap hostages.
“Troops also recovered 28 AK47 rifles, 44 pump action guns, 3,456 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1,402 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 801 live cartridges and 324 assorted ammunitions,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
June 27, 2024
Naval Chief inaugurates Ratings’ quarters in Abuja
Naval chief inaugurates Ratings’ quarters in Abuja
Accommodation
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, on Wednesday, inaugurated a 36 apartments for Senior Ratings of the Nigerian Navy as part of efforts to boost the welfare of personnel.
Performing the ceremony in Abuja, Ogalla said the quarters comprised six blocks of buildings housing 12 units of three-bedroom apartments and 18 units of two-bedroom aprtments.
He said that construction of the building quarters was in line with his commitment to enhance the welfare of personnel of the navy.
Speaking with newsmen, the Commander of Naval Unit, Abuja, Commodore Tanko Lengaya, said that the welfare of personnel in the area of accommodation had been a pressing issue before the assumption of office of the current CNS.
Lengaya said the new quarters located in Kubwa was one of the many being provided nationwide for personnel to ensure that the naval ratings get befitting shelters.
“This will go a long way to reducing the challenges of accommodation for the ratings and this will be permanent accommodation for the senior rates,” he said.
The commander said that the presence of the navy personnel in the Kubwa area would assist in terms of coordinating security in the area.
He congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to take good care of the accommodation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Nick Nicholas/Bayo Sekoni
June 26, 2024
War College participants’ tour deepens understanding of military dynamics – NAF
Tour
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has said that the international study tour to Turkiye and Morocco by participants of the Air Force War College (AFWC) would deepen understanding of global geopolitics and military-industrial dynamics.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information of the Service, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Gabkwet said the tour was aimed at equipping the participants with a deeper understanding of the complexities of international politics, security, and interdependence of modern nation-states.
He said the tour themed: “Military Industrial Complex and National Development: Lessons for Nigeria”, focused on understanding the technological advancements and manufacturing capabilities of the armed forces in the countries.
Gabkwet said the participants explored how the two nations had leveraged their military-industrial complexes to bolster their national development agenda.
The statement quoted the Commandant of the College, AVM Gabriel Kehinde, as saying that the study tour provided the participants with a comprehensive understanding of the linkages between military capabilities, technological innovation, and economic progress.
Kehinde said that by examining the models adopted by Türkiye and Morocco, the college drew valuable lessons that would inform Nigeria’s path towards strengthening its defense industry and fostering sustainable national development.
He said the participants, upon their return to Nigeria, presented their findings in both oral and written forms.
According to him, the findings highlighted the unique strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) observed in each country.
“The insights and lessons learnt will be utilised to guide the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) strategic planning and decision-making processes, as the Service seeks to optimise its own military-industrial capabilities.
“The successful completion of the study tour underscores NAF’s commitment to fostering highly informed and strategically minded officers, capable of addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing global security environment,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chidi Opara/Rabiu Sani-Ali
June 25, 2024
CDS hails military veterans on sacrifices, pledges continuous support
CDS hails military veterans on sacrifices, pledges continuous support
Veterans
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has commended the military veterans for their sacrifices and dedication to peace and security of Nigeria and the development of Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Musa, represented by the Director of Plans, Defence Headquarters, Rear Adm. Ibrahim Shettima, said this at the maiden Armed Forces of Nigeria Veterans Stakeholders Forum, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The forum has the theme, “the Nigerian Armed Forces Veterans in the Next Decade” aimed at enhancing the welfare and future prospects of Nigerian military veterans.
The CDS said that the significance of the forum was in recognising the dedication and sacrifices of veterans, and emphasised the need for continuous efforts to improve their welfare.
He said the Federal Government had made recent strides, such as the disbursement of the Security Debarment Allowance, a 20 cent cent increase in pension rates, and the inclusion of veterans in federal palliative programmes.
He said that the developments were notable achievements under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to him, the forum underscores their collective dedication to the well-being of the veterans.
He commended the ongoing efforts and achievements in veteran welfare, such as various scholarship and educational programmes for orphans, pre- and post-retirement programmes, and medical interventions.
Musa added that the establishment of a committee to develop a long-term strategic roadmap for veteran administration, with studies conducted in the UK, and planned visits to Egypt and the USA, was additional perspectives.
According to him, the forum will be addressing several critical issues, including governance in veteran administration, health and well-being, skills development, post-service employment, legal matters, and the protection and security of veterans.
Musa urged participants to engage in objective and professional deliberations, assuring them that the outcomes would guide future improvements in veteran administration.
On his part, the Director, Veteran Affairs, Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Danladi Salihu, expressed gratitude to the CDS for the improved veterans’ welfare initiative.
Salihu said the forum would help in addressing veteran issues, highlighting the collaborative efforts needed to implement the outcomes of the discussions.
He said the forum signified a giant step towards ensuring the well-being and recognition of Nigerian military veterans, aligning with the armed forces’ commitment to nurturing a professional and people-centric military.
The National Chairman of Nigerian Legion, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin, thanked the CDS for bringing the veterans together to interact and share views and experiences.
Jibrin said the forum was a step in the right direction that would assist the government and their serving colleagues to see through the veterans, what the future held for them.
He also thanked the government for its efforts towards enhanced welfare of the veterans.
“This occasion, organised by the Chief of Defence Staff, is to help get together all the ideas that we share to assist them in planning the roadmap for the wellbeing of all veterans and those coming behind us,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Yakubu Uba and Abiemwense Moru

June 25, 2024
Army dismisses claim of recruiting jihadists
Army dismisses claim of recruiting jihadists
Recruitment
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Army says audio-visual recording being circulated purportedly suggesting that the army is recruiting Islamic fundamentalists and jihadists is misleading.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Nwachukwu said the footage also falsely portrayed an officer calling on Muslim young men to join the military to protect and propagate Islam.
He said that the narrative depicted in the footage is not in any instance a reflection of the true values and standards of the army.
“It is targeted at sparking palpable anxiety and fear, sowing discord and mistrust amongst our personnel, eroding public confidence in the integrity of the army,“he said.
Nwachukwu said it is also targeted particularly among Christian and non-Muslim communities, who might feel their lives and faith are under threat, and ultimately engender religious crisis in the country.
“The Nigerian army remains steadfast in upholding professionalism and impartiality as an institution devoid of ethnic and religious bigotry.
“Our operational and administrative processes and actions are guided by the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and not ethnicity or religious sentiments,” he said.
Nwachukwu urged the public to dismiss this misleading report, which evidently stems from a misconception and lack of understanding about Nigerian Army’s Standing Operating Procedures (SOP).
He said it was crucial to restate that any deviation from army’s SOP was met with appropriate disciplinary action, regardless of the personnel’s religious affiliation.
“We call on all citizens to rise above these divisive tactics and stand united.
“The strength of Nigeria lies in her unity in diversity, and it is this unique national strength and trait that the army seeks to protect while carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
“The Nigerian army remains committed to serving and protecting all Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations.
“Let us work together to maintain the peace and unity of our great nation,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Joseph Edeh

June 25, 2024
Misinformation, fake news as damaging as terrorism – Minister
Misinformation, fake news as damaging as terrorism – Minister
Media
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says that misinformation and fake news can be as damaging as the activist of terrorists.
Idris said this at a two-day workshop on “Effective Reporting: Towards Strengthening Alternatives to Terrorist Ideology” organised by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), on Tuesday in Abuja.
The training was organised in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR).
The minister said that the media commanded an immense power to influence minds, shape narratives, and promote peace.
He added that the media could either undermine or bolster the collective efforts to provide alternatives to extremist ideologies in the fight against terrorism.
He said that journalists had the unique ability to educate, inform and inspire resilience among the public through their reports, images, and commentaries.
According to him, terrorism is not merely a physical threat.
“It is an ideological battle of the mind with the extremist groups exploiting vulnerabilities and spreading fear,” he said.
He added that the extremist groups also propagate messages that presented them as fighting for a social cause, in order to further their evil agenda.
Idris said there was the need to offer compelling, positive alternatives that resonated with the same audiences targeted by terrorists, adding that reporting played a pivotal role in this.
He urged the Defence Correspondents/Reporters to work closely with security experts, sociologists, psychologists, and community leaders to provide a multi-faceted perspective on terrorism and its alternatives.
He also challenged journalists to use data and research to back their stories, thereby enhancing credibility and depth.
“At all times, the media should uphold the ethics of journalism by being objective and fair and guard against sensationalism.
“You must also respect the dignity of victims and affected communities and void language that could be construed as biased or inflammatory.
“Please note that sensational reporting can inadvertently glorify terrorist acts and spread fear.
“Similarly, misinformation and fake news can be as damaging as the terrorist acts themselves and you must avoid this at all cost,” he said.
The minister commended the NCTC-ONSA for its proactive efforts in the fight against terrorism as well as the numerous successful rescue operations of kidnap victims, which he said were devoid of publicity.
He also commended the NCTC for its sustained strategy of regular engagement with the media, in advancing the frontiers of the fight against terrorism.
This approach, according to him, significantly contributed to shaping public perception and understanding of the complex issues surrounding terrorism and national security.
Idris reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to free and responsible journalism and pledged continuous support through access to accurate information, regular media briefings, and training opportunities.
“Together, we can create a strong, united front against terrorism,” he added.
The Secretary, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Mr Ochiaka Ugwu, commended the centre for the engagement, saying the media had remained committed to the promotion of national security.
Ugwu said the ungoverned spaces in the country had continued to fuel insecurity in different parts of the country.
He added that there must be collaboration between the media and the military, security agencies and the authorities to cover those ungoverned spaces. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru
June 25, 2024
NSA cautions media managers against promoting terrorists’ propaganda
NSA cautions media managers against promoting terrorists’ propaganda
Terrorism
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has cautioned media managers against promoting terrorists’ propaganda and ideologies through reportage of security issues.
Ribadu gave the advice at a 2-Day training on “Effective Reporting: Towards Strengthening Alternatives to Terrorist Ideology”, on Tuesday in Abuja.
It was organised by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA
He was represented at the training by the National Coordinator, NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka.
The training was organised in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR).
The NSA said the kind of information being processed and passed could be functional with positive expectations, or dysfunctional with negative and life threatening consequences.
He said that the media as a conveyor belt of information could influence either positively or negatively.
According to him, the press is capable of exercising power in favour of the state or in favour of the enemies of the state.
“Media practitioners must always be mindful of this in the discharge of their responsibilities in order to expose societal ills and suspicious characters and activities.
“Terrorist groups have continued to provide dysfunctional information through social media platforms, networking sites, and online propaganda including mainstream and traditional mediums of communication.
“This is a situation that we must jointly combat to attain a safe and peaceful society that will guarantee sustainable socio-economic development.
“To achieve this, media practitioners must produce content that would counter or prevent the appeals of terrorism and other non-state armed groups.
“Indeed, there is the need for robust media campaigns against terrorism, violent extremism and all other forms of organised crime threatening our corporate existence as a country,” he said.
Ribadu said the training was part of efforts in response to the call by the UN Secretary General’s Plan of Action for member states to develop and implement a national communication strategy.
This, according to him, is to ensure the dissemination of positive content across a wide range of media, both traditional and digital platforms to counter terrorist appeals and violent extremist narrative.
He said that media contents could change people’s perception and attitude; galvanise solidarity, mutual trust, patriotism and national cohesion.
“The media is also expected to mobilise support to government and national security efforts, and strongly help to dissipate ignorance that makes some persons vulnerable to terrorist appeals.
“This training is to build your capacity to be able to process and disseminate appropriate narratives (counter, alternative and positive) to address extremist ideologies.
“I urge you to avail yourselves of this opportunity to learn from the vast experiences of the resource persons drafted to interact with you.
“It is our hope to develop the capacity of a reasonable number of journalists and media practitioners in the country, in order to evolve a development and peace journalism orientation in the Nigeria media space,” he added.
The Director, National Peace Academy (NPA) in IPCR, Dr Bosede Awodola, said the IPCR believed that peace was an all-inclusive process, hence the need for partnership with NCTC to organise the workshop.
Awodola said that Nigeria’s democracy was being seriously challenged and her peace constantly threatened by the activities of terrorist groups.
She said the problem was increasingly pervasive with associated criminality that was heightening the fear and insecurity in the country.
“Realising the importance of the soft power approach, the IPCR understands the pivotal role of the media in this instance.
“We must take into cognisance that the media and its agencies are capable of reducing and transforming these conflicts through their reportage.
“The media in Nigeria and indeed globally, remains the most credible source of news and information for the majority of people.
“It is therefore essential that this training is conducted for media personnel working in relations with the NCTC to enable an improvement in the reportage of events.
Awodola expressed confidence that the engagement would upscale the skills of the media personnel in their techniques, on reporting that will change the way terrorism ideology and activities are reported. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
June 25, 2024