Army warns troops against compromising security
Nigerian Army Reinforces Protocols During Katsina Visit
KATSINA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade in Katsina received a directive emphasizing the importance of adherence to established protocols during internal security operations. Soldiers were cautioned against compromising their conduct with civilians, underscoring the necessity of following the Rules of Engagement.
The warning was issued during a regimental visit to the Brigade by Warrant Officer S.Y. Ibrahim, the Regimental Sergeant Major, as part of a broader effort to strengthen discipline and professionalism among the troops.
Ibrahim’s visit was intended to engage soldiers in mentorship and professional guidance. He reiterated the apolitical nature of the Nigerian Army, advising against any involvement in partisan politics. This initiative aligns with the Army’s commitment to reinforcing regimental standards and professionalism across its formations.
“This visit is undertaken at the directive of Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu,” Ibrahim said, noting the focus on strengthening the role of the Regimental Sergeant Major in mentoring soldiers. The visit included an interactive session that addressed operational effectiveness and professional conduct.
Topics discussed included responsible social media use, appropriate behavior at military checkpoints, and strict adherence to document security protocols. The delegation also urged soldiers to maintain a strong fighting spirit and uphold the soldier ethos.
Issues concerning pay, allowances, leave procedures, and the protocols for handling cases of Absence Without Official Leave (AWOL) were also raised. The importance of safeguarding vulnerable members of the military community, particularly widows, was emphasized, alongside a reaffirmation of the Army’s zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse during operations.
In addition, the delegation cautioned against engaging in social vices such as gambling, drug abuse, and misconduct, which could undermine the military’s discipline and professionalism. They stressed the critical role of Senior Non-Commissioned Officers in sustaining discipline within their units.
Brig.-Gen. Ishaya Ibrahim, Commander of the 17 Brigade, praised the Chief of Army Staff for the regimentation drive and acknowledged the significant contributions of the RSMs in promoting discipline. He assured that the brigade would adhere to the directives of the Chief of Army Staff while striving for operational excellence.
