The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Taoreed Lagbaja, has issued a stern warning to Army Chief Clerks regarding the leakage of official documents. This cautionary message was conveyed during the opening of the 2023 Nigerian Army Chief Clerks Convention in Kaduna on Tuesday.
In his address, delivered by Chief of Staff, 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna, Brig-Gen. Moses Gara, the COAS emphasized the importance of adhering to the armed forces policy on the use of social media. He highlighted the emergence of cyberspace as an operational domain and the impact of social media on military operations. There have been persistent attempts by subversive elements and dissident groups to discredit the Nigerian Army, particularly through allegations of human rights violations propagated on social media. These factors necessitate vigilance, adaptability, and responsiveness on the part of military personnel.
The COAS expressed his concern regarding the recurring leakage of official documents, which contravenes the Official Secrets Act. He also expressed dismay at the violations of the Armed Forces Policy on the Use of Social Media by personnel. As custodians of official documents and sensitive information, the COAS urged the Chief Clerks to take decisive action in addressing these issues. Furthermore, he directed that all clerks and personnel responsible for handling sensitive documents be routinely vetted by appropriate corps and departments of the Nigerian Army. Additionally, he called upon the Chief Clerks to monitor the clerks under their supervision.
Regarding the convention, the primary objective is to enhance the efficiency and capacity of the Chief Clerks in their clerical duties, document security, and office management. The COAS explained that the event would include discussions on relevant pictures related to the responsibilities of Chief Clerks. The convention aligns with the COAS’s command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force capable of fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment. Therefore, it is crucial to reinforce capabilities that have declined, enhance the capacity of personnel, and develop new capabilities to increase overall efficiency.
During the convention, the Chief Clerks will be exposed to new and innovative techniques of data management, clerical duties, organization, and office management. The COAS assured them that their suggestions, contributions, and comments would be duly noted, and those deemed worthy of implementation would receive prompt attention.
The theme of the weeklong convention is “Enhancing Efficiency of NA Chief Clerks for Effective Contributions to the Achievement of NA Constitutional Responsibility within A Joint Environment.” The training brings together 450 chief clerks from army formations and units across the country.
By addressing the issue of document leakage and emphasizing the importance of adhering to the armed forces policy on social media, the COAS is taking steps to ensure the integrity and security of official information. The convention aims to equip Chief Clerks with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively carry out their duties and contribute to the overall mission of the Nigerian Army.
