The Nigerian Army has issued a strong warning to its personnel over the misuse of social media, stating that soldiers who violate established online conduct regulations will face disciplinary measures.
The caution was delivered by the Army Provost Marshal, Maj. Gen. Mathias Erebulu, during a training seminar for Military Police personnel, according to a report aired by the African Independent Television on Thursday.
Erebulu directed commanders and officers in charge of various formations to return to their units and intensify awareness campaigns on the dangers and consequences of social media abuse among troops.
He stressed that the military maintains strict rules guiding online behaviour, warning that violations would not be tolerated.
“Our soldiers have no business being on social media. When they go against the First Social Media Act, they are punished,” he said.
The Provost Marshal emphasized the responsibility of unit commanders to ensure that all personnel are properly briefed on regulations governing digital engagement and online conduct.
“So, it behoves the commanders and officers commanding to go back to their various formations and reiterate the consequences of the abuse of social media,” he added.
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Erebulu also reminded personnel of constitutional provisions regarding the handling of civilians in military custody, stressing that the military is not permitted to detain civilians beyond a limited timeframe.
“By virtue of the constitution, we are not supposed to have civilians detained in our facility,” he said.
He explained that any civilian arrested by military personnel must, after preliminary investigation, be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency within 24 hours.
“So, they are reminded that once a civilian is arrested, after doing the due diligence of investigating, within 24 hours, you must hand over that civilian to the agency that’s in charge,” he stated.
The seminar, which focused on strengthening discipline and operational standards among Military Police personnel, was featured on AIT’s flagship morning programme, Kakaaki.