The Nigerian Army has warned its personnel against the misuse of social media, stating that soldiers who violate regulations guiding online conduct will face disciplinary measures.
The warning was issued by the Nigerian Army Provost Marshal, Major General Mathias Erebulu, during a training session for Military Police personnel, according to a report by African Independent Television (AIT) on Thursday.
Speaking during the session, Erebulu directed commanders and officers to return to their various formations and sensitise soldiers on the dangers and consequences of abusing social media platforms.
“It is not appropriate for our soldiers to misuse social media. Personnel who violate the regulations guiding social media usage will be sanctioned,” he said.
He stressed that commanders must ensure officers and soldiers under their supervision understand the implications of inappropriate online activities.
The Provost Marshal also reminded military personnel of constitutional provisions regarding the detention of civilians, stating that soldiers are not permitted to hold civilians in military facilities beyond the legally allowed period.
“We are not allowed by the constitution to detain civilians in our facilities indefinitely,” Erebulu stated.
“Once a civilian is arrested and preliminary investigations are carried out, such a person must be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency within 24 hours,” he added.
The training programme focused on operational discipline and professional conduct among Military Police officers and was featured on Kakaaki, AIT’s flagship morning programme.