No Business on Social Media’: Army Threatens Discipline for Erring Soldiers

The Nigerian Army has cautioned its personnel against the misuse of social media, warning that soldiers who violate existing regulations on online conduct will face disciplinary action.

The warning was issued by the Army Provost Marshal, Maj. Gen. Mathias Erebulu, during a training seminar for Military Police personnel, according to a report released on Thursday.

Erebulu directed commanders and officers in charge of formations to return to their units and intensify awareness campaigns on the consequences of social media abuse among troops.

“Our soldiers have no business being on social media. When they go against the First Social Media Act, they are punished,” he said.

He stressed the need for strict compliance, adding that unit commanders must ensure personnel are properly briefed on the rules governing online engagement.

“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 said.

The Provost Marshal also reminded personnel of constitutional limits regarding the detention of civilians in military custody, stating that such individuals must be handed over to appropriate law enforcement agencies within 24 hours after preliminary investigations.

“By virtue of the constitution, we are not supposed to have civilians detained in our facility,” he said.

“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.”

The seminar was focused on strengthening operational discipline among military police personnel.