Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has issued a stern warning to newly enlisted soldiers against the unauthorised use of social media, cautioning that any breach of the Nigerian Army's social media policy, including the posting of operational information, images of military activities, or sensitive locations, would attract severe disciplinary action, including dismissal from service. Shaibu gave the warning on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, during the maiden Passing-Out Parade of 2,989 pioneer recruits at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri, in Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Addressing the recruits, the Army Chief described the growing trend of indiscriminate social media use by military personnel as a serious threat to operational security and the integrity of the institution. He said the unauthorised dissemination of operational information, photographs of military installations and activities, as well as the circulation of unverified and misleading content, constituted grave violations of extant military regulations. "Let me be clear: violations of the Nigerian Army Social Media Policy can and will attract disciplinary action, including dismissal from service where necessary," Shaibu declared.
The Army Chief stressed that such misconduct carries severe consequences for individual soldiers, the institution and the nation at large. He explained that while erring personnel stood to lose their careers, honour and livelihood, the Nigerian Army would suffer damage to its discipline, operational security, morale and institutional credibility. He added that the nation would equally bear the burden through the waste of substantial public resources invested in recruiting and training the affected personnel.
Shaibu urged the new soldiers to exercise restraint, maturity and responsibility in their engagement with social media, stressing that discipline must extend beyond the battlefield into the digital space. He reminded them that the training they had received was intended to prepare them for the realities of modern warfare and Nigeria's complex security environment, and that they must uphold the highest standards of professionalism and loyalty to the Constitution.
The Army Chief described the passing out of the 2,989 pioneer recruits at the Amasiri-Edda depot as a significant milestone in the Nigerian Army's force expansion programme. He disclosed that the recruits were part of the first batch of 14,000 personnel that would eventually make up the 28,000 recruits approved by President Bola Tinubu under the strategic force expansion initiative, demonstrating the Federal Government's resolve to strengthen the Army's capacity to produce highly trained, disciplined and mission-ready soldiers.
Shaibu noted that the establishment of the training depot in the South-East demonstrates the Federal Government's commitment to promoting national cohesion, equitable development and strengthening the country's security architecture. He also reminded the recruits of their obligation to conduct operations within the framework of international human rights principles and the Nigerian Army's Rules of Engagement, urging them to uphold the trust reposed in them by Nigerians and remain worthy ambassadors of the service.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, families of the recruits and other dignitaries, and featured a colourful parade, precision drills and the presentation of awards to outstanding recruits. Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, who also spoke at the event, described the siting of the depot in the state as a critical national asset that has improved local security, stimulated economic activities and created opportunities for residents of the state and neighbouring communities.
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