‘You Have No Business Being On Social Media’, Army General Warns Soldiers

The Nigerian Army has cautioned its personnel against using social media platforms, warning that soldiers who violate the regulations governing online conduct will face disciplinary action.

According to a report by African Independent Television (AIT) on Thursday, the warning was issued by the Nigerian Army Provost Marshal, Mathias Erebulu, during a training seminar organised for Military Police personnel.

Addressing participants at the seminar, Erebulu directed commanders and officers commanding various formations to sensitise troops under their command on the consequences of social media abuse.

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

“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.”

The Provost Marshal also reminded military personnel of constitutional provisions regarding the detention of civilians in military facilities. He stressed that civilians arrested by soldiers must be transferred to the appropriate law enforcement agency within 24 hours after preliminary investigations.

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

“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.”