The Nigerian Army has warned military personnel against using social media, stressing that soldiers who violate regulations guiding online conduct risk disciplinary action.

The warning was issued by the Nigerian Army Provost Marshal, Mathias Erebulu, during a training seminar for Military Police personnel, according to a report broadcast by African Independent Television on Thursday.

Erebulu directed commanders and officers commanding formations across the country to sensitise troops on the consequences of abusing social media platforms.

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

He added that commanders must return to their various units and reinforce compliance with military regulations concerning online activities.

The Army provost marshal also reminded officers of constitutional provisions regarding the detention of civilians in military facilities.

According to him, civilians arrested by soldiers must be transferred to the appropriate law enforcement agency within 24 hours after preliminary investigations have been carried out.

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

“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.”

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