He directed media managers in the defence, security and
response agencies to change their approach to engaging with the public and
countering disinformation from enemies of the country.
This comes as the detained terrorist negotiator, Mohammed
Tukur Mamu, begged a Federal High Court, Abuja, to order his release from the
custody of the Department of the State Services (DSS) to the Correctional
Centre in Kuje, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
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 also listed the preponderance of fake news,
misinformation, and disinformation as threats to national security and public
engagement.
He said, “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.”
Ribadu asserted that the National Security Strategy 2019,
currently under review, identified strategic communication as an element of
national power.
He said the strategy should be integrated into all
operational aspects, including information operations, psychological
operations, public diplomacy and public relations, so as to project the
country’s national power and values.
The NSA also called for the adoption of a plan of action to
engage Nigerians, build trust, and counter violent extremism.
Ribadu charged the spokespersons to synergise and coordinate
efforts to deny media space to terror groups and criminal elements, like Boko
Haram and armed bandits, bent on stifling citizens’ freedom to life, dignity
and security.
The NSA said in engaging with the public, communicators in
the security sector should adopt strategies that take into account the personal
sacrifices of service personnel.
He said, “Upon the sweat and blood of service personnel and
the men and women who protect us daily, we must build a narrative of resilience
and mobilise our people.
“We must tell their stories and sing their praise as part of
a broader national strategic communication programme.
“As spokespersons, you have a critical role to play in
effective governance communication to project our results and reach audiences
at home and abroad.
“Countering fake news will require that we are ahead of the
news and proactively update the public.”
The NSA promised to ensure that government communication
aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision and directives, and the messages
were well-coordinated and in line with national security objectives and values.