Nigerian Army Warns Soldiers Against Social Media Use

The Nigerian Army is taking a firm stance against its personnel's use of social media, a move that underscores the institution's commitment to discipline and operational security. Maj. Gen. Mathias Erebulu, the Army Provost Marshal, has unequivocally stated that soldiers "have no business being on social media," emphasizing that violations of the country's social media regulations will result in punishment.

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

This directive, issued during a training seminar for Military Police personnel, serves as a crucial reminder to commanders and officers. They are tasked with reinforcing awareness among troops about the severe consequences of social media abuse. The Army's concern is not merely about idle browsing; it extends to the potential for misinformation, security breaches, and conduct unbecoming of a soldier, which can erode public trust and compromise military operations.

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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.

Beyond the social media crackdown, the Army is also reinforcing adherence to constitutional provisions regarding the detention of civilians. Maj. Gen. Erebulu reiterated that military facilities are not detention centers for civilians. Any civilian apprehended by soldiers must be handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency within 24 hours after preliminary investigation. This measure is vital for upholding the rule of law and ensuring that civilian rights are respected, preventing any overreach by military personnel.

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

The training seminar, focused on operational discipline, highlights the Nigerian Army's continuous efforts to maintain high standards of conduct and professionalism. By addressing both social media usage and civilian detention protocols, the Army demonstrates its dedication to ensuring its personnel operate within legal and ethical boundaries, thereby strengthening its relationship with the public and enhancing its overall effectiveness.

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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.