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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has issued a stern warning to newly graduated boys of the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria, cautioning that any violation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s social media policy could attract severe disciplinary measures, including dismissal from service.
The Army Chief gave the warning at the 68th Passing Out Parade of the Nigerian Military School held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Represented by the Commander, Infantry Corps, Major General Godwin Mutkut, who was the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, General Shaibu urged the graduating boys to uphold discipline, loyalty, professionalism and courage as they begin their military careers.
Addressing the graduates, he charged them to remain steadfast in the core values of the Nigerian Army and to uphold the spirit of unity and comradeship.
“You must be disciplined, loyal and courageous. Embody the spirit of camaraderie and brotherhood, standing united in purpose, supporting one another in adversity, and upholding the unwavering bond that defines the Nigerian Army,” he said.
The COAS expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of indiscretion by some military personnel on social media, warning that careless online activities pose serious security risks.
“We have particularly noted with concern the growing trend of indiscretion among some erring personnel on social media, such as the unauthorized posting of operational information, images of military activities, sensitive locations, as well as the dissemination of unverified or misleading content,” he said.
He reminded the graduates that the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s social media policy serves as a guide for responsible online conduct and warned that breaches would not be tolerated.
“You must therefore exercise the highest level of restraint, maturity and responsibility as you navigate the social media space. Violations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s social media policy can and will result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from service where necessary,” he warned.
General Shaibu also charged the young soldiers to maintain the highest level of professionalism while carrying out their duties and to operate strictly within the provisions of human rights, rules of engagement and standard operating procedures.
“Wherever you are deployed, I implore you to competently operate within the tenets of human rights and strictly adhere to the rules of engagement and standard operating procedures in the conduct of operations,” he added.
Speaking on personnel welfare, the Army Chief said the Nigerian Army had continued to improve the living conditions of its officers and soldiers through the construction, reconstruction, renovation and rehabilitation of accommodation and other facilities across the country.
He also disclosed that the Army had sustained and strengthened its educational sponsorship programme for serving personnel to meet the force’s growing manpower needs.
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“Additionally, the Nigerian Army sponsorship programme for soldiers to further their studies in reputable civil universities and colleges across the country has been sustained and reinvigorated to reflect our current realities and high-skill manpower requirements for the Nigerian Army.
“I am glad to note that ex-NMS boys are among the most prominent beneficiaries of this scheme, a demonstration of our commitment to developing a well-educated, professionally competent and future-ready Nigerian Army.”
General Shaibu described the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, as a citadel of military and academic excellence, noting that its rigorous six-year training programme had equipped the graduates with the knowledge, discipline, leadership skills and character required for national service.
“I am pleased to note that the robust training package you have undergone provided a balanced blend of academic instruction, military education and character development, carefully designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, values and leadership attributes required for success in your future endeavours.
“These attributes and experiences have not only shaped you into soldiers but into worthy instruments of nation-building, peace, security, stability and prosperity.”
The COAS further said the graduation of the cadets would significantly support the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen the Nigerian Army through the planned expansion of its force structure.
“Today’s graduation is a tangible boost to our ongoing efforts to implement Mr President’s directives to expand the Nigerian Army’s force structure from the current eight divisions to 12, providing the manpower required to strengthen operational effectiveness across all theatres.”
He urged the graduating boys to cherish the privilege of serving their fatherland and to continually draw strength from the values instilled in them at the Nigerian Military School.
“Always remember the rich foundation you have is your greatest advantage as you step into the next phase of your lives. In moments of doubt or adversity, draw strength from the lessons learned here in NMS, the camaraderie of your peers, the guidance of your instructors and the enduring support of your families.”
Congratulating the graduating boys, General Shaibu commended their resilience, hard work and unwavering commitment to duty, discipline and patriotism.
“I congratulate the passing-out boys for your courage, hard work, resilience and unwavering commitment to the values of duty, discipline and patriotism.
“Being a soldier is about more than wearing a uniform; it entails loyalty. Face the future with courage, humility and an unwavering commitment to the ideals you now represent. May your careers be marked by integrity, gallantry and lasting contributions to the peace, security and prosperity of our great nation, Nigeria.”
He also congratulated the parents and families of the graduates for their unwavering support and commended the Commandant, instructors and staff of the Nigerian Military School for their dedication to grooming disciplined, patriotic and professionally competent young soldiers.
The Army Chief equally expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support to the Nigerian Army, noting that the President’s strategic guidance had further strengthened the Army’s operational effectiveness, training capacity and administrative efficiency.
