Military personnel are advised to avoid online platforms, top Army officer cautions

The Nigerian Army has issued a stern warning to its personnel regarding the use of social media, with those found violating the country's social media regulations facing disciplinary action.

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Maj. Gen. Mathias Erebulu, the Nigerian Army Provost Marshal, delivered this warning during a training seminar for Military Police personnel, as reported by the African Independent Television on Thursday.

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Erebulu instructed commanders and officers commanding to reinforce awareness among troops about the consequences of social media misuse, emphasizing that soldiers have no legitimate reason to be on social media.

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According to Erebulu, any violation of the First Social Media Act will result in punishment, and it is the responsibility of commanders and officers to remind personnel of these consequences.

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The general also highlighted the importance of adhering to constitutional limits on detaining civilians in military facilities, stating that civilians arrested by soldiers must be transferred to the relevant law enforcement agency within 24 hours of preliminary investigation.

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Erebulu reiterated that, as per the constitution, civilians should not be detained in military facilities, and soldiers must hand over arrested civilians to the appropriate agency after conducting a preliminary investigation.

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The seminar, which focused on operational discipline among Military Police personnel, was broadcast on AIT's flagship morning programme, Kakaaki.