By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has warned its personnel against misuse of social media.

It also harped on the need to adhere strictly with the social media policy of the Corps.

The State Commandant, Mr Maku Olatunde handed out the warning at the Command Headquarters in Awka on Monday, January 29, 2024, while delivering a lecture on guidelines to adhere in the use of social media by officers and men to the newly recruited personnel undergoing in-house training.

The Commandant who was represented by the Command’s Spokesperson, Superintendent of Corps, Edwin Okadigbo called on the trainees to engage in activities that will positively showcase the image of the Corps.

He urged then to also desist from indiscriminate use of social media platforms for negative posting.

While advising the recruits to see themselves as the faces of the NSCDC, the Commandant advised them to avoid publishing on social media platforms materials reasonably perceived by the public or the agency to be discriminatory, abusive, oppressive, harassing, bullying, victimising, offensive or otherwise incompatible with the Corps mission and vision else they could face investigation for misconduct.

Maku added: “I urge you to study and have at your fingertips, social media policy of the Corps, this policy will help to guide you on the use of social media platforms.

“Your lack of caution in the use of social media could have a negative impact on the security of our dear nation, our operations and most importantly the Corps reputation.

“It is therefore necessary to introduce you to this policy to avoid implicating yourselves and the organization with the wrong usage of social media.”

He said that though social media offers opportunities for connectivity, the potential risks far outweigh the benefits.

The Commandant further stressed that maintaining a cautious approach to online presence is crucial to preserving professionalism, protecting sensitive information and ensuring the continued trust and respect between the NSCDC and members of the public.