The Nigerian Army has warned soldiers against the misuse of social media, stressing that personnel who violate military regulations guiding online activities could face disciplinary action.
The warning was issued by the Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army, Mathias Erebulu, during a training seminar organised for Military Police personnel, which was reported by the African Independent Television on Thursday.
Speaking at the seminar, Erebulu urged commanders and officers in charge of various formations to educate troops on the dangers and consequences of social media abuse within the military.
According to him, soldiers are expected to maintain discipline both offline and online.
“Our soldiers have no business being on social media. When they violate the social media regulations, they are punished,” he said.
He directed commanders to return to their formations and reinforce awareness among personnel regarding military rules guiding online conduct.
The Army general also reminded officers of the constitutional provisions concerning the detention of civilians in military facilities.
He explained that any civilian arrested by soldiers must be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency within 24 hours after preliminary investigations.
“By virtue of the constitution, civilians are not supposed to be detained in military facilities. Once investigations are carried out, they must be transferred to the appropriate agency within 24 hours,” he stated.
The seminar focused on operational discipline, accountability, and professionalism among Military Police personnel.
The training was reported by African Independent Television during its flagship morning programme, Kakaaki.
The Nigerian Army said the sensitisation forms part of efforts to strengthen discipline and professionalism within the force.
