Nigerian Army's social media seminars under fire as veteran questions impact amid persistent misinformation campaigns

A pointed critique from a Nigerian Army veteran has sparked debate over the efficacy of the military's ongoing efforts to combat misinformation through social media training programs.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) late Tuesday, former service member ÀKÓBÍI DADDY MI (@optama) lambasted the initiatives as a "complete waste of time and resources," attaching an official invitation to the recently concluded 42nd Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar in Ibadan.

The post highlights growing frustration with the persistence of false narratives targeting the armed forces despite repeated educational outreach.

DAILY South Nigeria understands that the seminars usually features discussions on ethical online engagement, fact-checking protocols, and strategies to promote verified information.

However, @optama's post captioned, "If after all the social-media seminars the Nigerian Army hosts every now and then, there is still this much misinformation campaign, then the entire exercise is a complete waste of time and resources" challenges the seminars' tangible outcomes.

The veteran's frustration appears rooted in a surge of recent disinformation targeting the Army, including fabricated stories about troop deployments, alleged human rights abuses, and operational failures in conflict zones like the Northeast.

Despite the Army's dedicated social media handles such as @HQNigerianArmy, which promoted the Ibadan event, the influx of AI-generated deepfakes and coordinated troll campaigns continues to erode public trust.

The Nigerian Army has hosted over 40 editions since inception, evolving from basic digital literacy sessions to themed workshops addressing hybrid threats.

Proponents argue these programs have empowered thousands of influencers and community leaders to amplify accurate narratives, contributing to a more informed citizenry. Yet critics, including @optama, contend that without measurable metrics like reduced viral falsehoods or legal deterrents the efforts risk becoming performative.

As Nigeria grapples with polarized online discourse ahead of future elections and amid ongoing security challenges, the Army's media strategy remains a flashpoint.

Military spokespersons have yet to respond directly to the post, but sources indicate internal reviews are underway to refine future seminars for greater inclusivity and impact.

For now, the debate serves as a stark reminder that in the battle for truth, awareness alone may not suffice, action must follow.