Army Chief Warns New Soldiers Against Leaking Military Operations on Social Media

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has cautioned newly enlisted soldiers against disclosing military operations or sensitive information on social media, warning that offenders risk severe disciplinary measures, including dismissal from the Nigerian Army.

Shaibu gave the warning on Wednesday during the passing out parade of 2,989 pioneer regular recruits at the Nigerian Army Recruit Training Depot in Amasiri Edda, Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

He said the increasing misuse of social media by military personnel poses a serious threat to operational security and the integrity of the Armed Forces.

According to him, soldiers must refrain from posting photographs of military operations, troop movements, operational locations or any information capable of compromising national security.

He stressed that sharing unverified information online also violates existing military regulations and could expose personnel and ongoing operations to unnecessary risks.

The Army Chief reminded the graduating recruits that discipline remains the foundation of military service and urged them to use social media responsibly throughout their careers.

Shaibu described the graduation ceremony as a landmark event, noting that it marked the first set of soldiers trained at the newly established Amasiri Edda Recruit Training Depot, which commenced operations in November 2025.

He explained that the facility is the third recruit training depot in the country and the first primary military training institution located in the South East, describing its establishment as part of efforts to promote national unity and balanced development.

The Army Chief disclosed that the recruits form part of the Federal Government’s ongoing military expansion programme approved by President Bola Tinubu to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity through the recruitment of an additional 28,000 personnel.

He commended the Federal Government for supporting the initiative and praised the training instructors for preparing the recruits for counter terrorism, counter insurgency and other security operations.

Shaibu also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and parents in the South East to encourage more young people to join the Nigerian Army, expressing concern that recruitment slots allocated to the region have consistently remained unfilled.

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru described the training depot as a major development for the state, saying it has improved security, stimulated economic activities and strengthened cooperation between the military and host communities while pledging continued government support for the facility.