Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Nigerian Army has warned its personnel that involvement in human rights violations, gambling and other unethical conduct could attract disciplinary sanctions, stressing that the military uniform does not place soldiers above the law.
The warning was issued during a two-day sensitisation workshop organised for troops of the 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Umuahia, Abia State, under the Army’s Civil-Military Affairs programme.
At the workshop held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, officers and soldiers were reminded of the need to uphold professionalism, respect the rights of civilians and protect the rights of children while carrying out their duties.
Army authorities warned that any personnel found guilty of misconduct, including gambling and abuse of citizens’ rights, would face disciplinary action, noting that soldiers could also be subjected to legal proceedings for unlawful conduct.
Addressing the troops, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs of the Nigerian Army, Musa Awwal Etsu-Ndzi, said the training was organised to deepen soldiers’ understanding of human rights and strengthen their professional conduct in dealing with the civil population.
According to him, the workshop was also designed to equip personnel with the knowledge required to engage responsibly with civilians and reinforce the Army’s commitment to improved civil-military relations.
He advised the soldiers to regularly update their next-of-kin forms, explaining that proper documentation would safeguard the interests of their families in the event of death in service.
Etsu-Ndzi also urged troops to build unity and harmony within their families, noting that a stable home environment contributes to discipline and effectiveness in service.
The Army chief further stressed that while carrying out their duties, soldiers must respect the fundamental rights of citizens, insisting that no individual should be subjected to torture, cruel or degrading treatment.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of expression, he cautioned soldiers against sharing sensitive operational information or posting confidential images and details on social media, warning that such materials could be exploited by criminal elements or misconstrued as the official position of the Army.
He, however, reminded personnel that they retain their rights as citizens, including the right to own property and practise their religion.
In a lecture at the workshop, Deputy Controller of Narcotics at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Bekwele Chukwu, warned soldiers against the consumption of unapproved or controlled substances, noting that such drugs could impair judgment and undermine operational efficiency.
Earlier, the Commander of the 14 Brigade, Ahmad Mansur Dikko, commended the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, for facilitating the workshop, saying the training would further promote discipline, professionalism and stronger engagement between the military and the civil population.
