Social Media Misuse:Army Chief Threatens Dismissal Of Soldiers

By Alex Odeh, Pan Afric Reporters

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has sounded a strong warning to newly enlisted soldiers against the unauthorised use of social media, warning that posting operational information, images of military activities, sensitive locations or unverified content constitutes a serious breach of military regulations.

Lt. Gen. Shaibu said violations of the Nigerian Army’s social media policy would attract disciplinary measures, including dismissal from service, and urged the recruits to strictly comply with the military’s regulations on the use of social media.

The Army Chief gave the warning during the Passing Out Parade of the pioneer intake of recruits at the Nigerian Army Training Depot, Amasiri-Edda, in Ebonyi State.

He noted that the growing trend of indiscriminate use of social media by military personnel had resulted in serious consequences, stressing that discipline and professionalism remain the hallmarks of military service.

Shaibu said the passing out of the 2,989 pioneer recruits at the Amasiri-Edda depot marked a significant milestone in the Nigerian Army’s force expansion programme and would strengthen efforts to combat insecurity in the South-East and across the country.

According to him, terrorism, insurgency, banditry, separatist violence, transnational organised crime, cyber threats and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons continue to pose serious threats to peace and stability in Nigeria and across Africa.

He said 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.

The Army Chief described the event as another milestone in the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Army to effectively address emerging security challenges.

“It is equally a proud moment for the Nigerian Army Training Depot, Amasiri-Edda, which despite being newly established, has successfully trained this pioneer intake under rigorous conditions.

“To my newly enlisted soldiers, today marks the beginning of the fulfilment of a noble call to serve our fatherland in uniform.

“These recruits are part of the first batch of 14,000 personnel that will eventually make up the 28,000 recruits approved by Mr. President under the strategic force expansion initiative. This demonstrates the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to produce highly trained, disciplined and mission-ready soldiers capable of meeting current and future security demands.

“As the character of warfare and asymmetric threats continues to evolve, so too must our capacity to prepare men and women entrusted with safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation.

“I appreciate the Governor of Ebonyi State and the people of the South-East for their support, especially since the groundbreaking ceremony held on January 13, 2026.

“Your efforts have laid a solid foundation for these soldiers as they prepare to support counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and other security operations across the country.

“As you pass out today, you must understand that the training you have received is only the foundation of your military career. The defence of Nigeria requires sacrifice, discipline and unwavering commitment to duty.

“I also want to reiterate that the Nigerian Army will continue to review and strengthen its recruit training curriculum to meet contemporary operational requirements,” he said.

In his remarks, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State appealed to the Nigerian Army to release part of its 989.7 hectares of land at the Abakaliki Military Cantonment to support the planned expansion of the state capital.

He pledged that, in return, the state government would undertake major infrastructure projects at the Nigerian Army Training Depot in Amasiri-Edda.

The governor described the graduation as a historic milestone for the Nigerian Army, Ebonyi State and the nation, saying the establishment of the depot had strengthened security and created opportunities for economic growth and development.

He announced that the state government would construct an emergency ward, a main hospital, an administrative block, a maternity ward, a mortuary, recruit wards, walkways, a generator house, two solar-powered boreholes with 50,000-litre capacity each and a theatre at the military facility.

Nwifuru also commended the Nigerian Army for establishing a Military Referral Hospital in Ebonyi State and appealed for its speedy completion and equipping to serve the South-East region.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the training depot and providing the necessary support for its take-off, describing the project as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

The governor also praised the Chief of Army Staff and the leadership of the Nigerian Army for transforming the donated land into a modern recruits’ training facility, noting that the decision to establish the depot in Ebonyi reflected confidence in the state and its people.

According to him, the facility has already contributed to improved security, economic activities, infrastructure development and stronger civil-military relations.

He assured the Nigerian Army of the state government’s continued support in maintaining a peaceful environment conducive to military training and operations while fostering harmonious relations between host communities and the military.

The passing-out parade was attended by representatives of the governors of Enugu, Imo and Abia states, military officers and other stakeholders from across the South-East and beyond.