The Nigerian Army has warned its personnel against the misuse of social media, stressing that soldiers who violate military regulations on online conduct would face disciplinary action.

The warning was issued by the Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army, Major General Mathias Erebulu, during a training seminar for Military Police personnel.

According to a report aired on the African Independent Television (AIT) on Thursday, Erebulu directed commanders and officers commanding to return to their formations and sensitise troops on the dangers and 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.

The senior military officer urged commanders to reinforce discipline and ensure compliance with existing military regulations guiding online activities.

Erebulu also reminded personnel of constitutional provisions regarding the detention of civilians in military facilities.

He stated that civilians arrested by soldiers must be transferred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies within 24 hours after preliminary investigations.

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

“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.”

The seminar focused on operational discipline and professional conduct among Military Police personnel and was featured on AIT’s morning programme, Kakaaki.