Abstract
The use of the information superhighway, which is enabled by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has helped to strengthen and extend security surveillance and information sharing across the entire continents of the world. The potential of the Internet and its associated social media tools as an open communication system to create an alert on impending security problem and provide first-hand information/evidence when crimes are committed is high. It provides valuable opportunities for individuals, groups, and organisations to establish their own spaces and sites and report such cases. However, its net benefit depends strictly on certain factors such as the nature and number of ICTs installations among others. This paper, therefore, examines the level of social media activities in Nigeria; evaluates its impact on the efforts of security agencies to contain crimes, insurgencies, and terrorism; and explores its limitations or challenges. Archival research, which generates data from books, journals, workshop and conference papers, newspapers and magazines, government and civil society publications, and content analysis are adopted as research methods. The results of the study reveal high-level social media activities among Nigerians with no significant relationship with the efforts of security agencies to contain the current security challenges facing the country. It further shows the absence of synergy between the public and security agencies. The paper, therefore, recommends security sensitisation programmes for the public, the development of pro-masses security surveillance scheme, and the procurement and/or installation of security software and instrument that are accessible to the public via social media.
Author Information
Joseph Wogu, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria
Paper Information
Conference: EuroMedia2019
Stream: Social Media & Communication Technology
This paper is part of the EuroMedia2019 Conference Proceedings (View)
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