The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has cautioned graduating students of the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria, against the careless use of social media, warning that the disclosure of unauthorised information could endanger military operations and national security.
The warning was delivered during the 68th Passing Out Parade of the Nigerian Military School held on Saturday in Zaria, Kaduna State.
According to a statement shared on the Nigerian Army’s official X account, the Army Chief was represented at the ceremony by the Commander, Infantry Corps, Major General GM Mutkut.
Addressing the graduating students, Shaibu urged them to uphold the values of discipline, professionalism and patriotism as they begin their military careers.
He also reminded the graduates of the importance of respecting human rights and adhering strictly to the rules of engagement and standard operating procedures during military operations.
“You are expected to competently operate within the stipulations of the tenets of human rights and strictly adhere to the rules of engagement and standard operating procedures in the conduct of operations,” he said.
The COAS described the successful completion of six years of combined academic and military training as a significant milestone, commending the graduates for their resilience and commitment.
“Today marks the successful completion of a comprehensive and rigorous training regimen spanning over a challenging six years. Significant efforts have been made to transform you into disciplined, resilient and patriotic young men equipped with the requisite skills to serve our nation with a high sense of professionalism, excellence and integrity,” he stated.
Shaibu encouraged the graduates to take advantage of career development opportunities available within the Nigerian Army, including sponsorship programmes that enable personnel to pursue higher education at recognised universities and tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
“The rich foundation you have received here is your greatest advantage as you step into the next phase of your lives. I encourage you to utilise the robust career development opportunities available through the Nigerian Army Sponsorship Programmes for soldiers,” he added.
The Army Chief also acknowledged the continued support of President Bola Tinubu for initiatives aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army and improving the welfare of military personnel.
Reiterating his warning on social media use, Shaibu urged the graduates to safeguard classified and sensitive information at all times.
“You must be cautious in your use of social media and avoid disclosing unauthorised information that could compromise military operations or national security,” he warned.
He further urged the graduating students to remain worthy ambassadors of the Nigerian Military School by demonstrating discipline, loyalty and dedication throughout their service.
The 68th Passing Out Parade marked the graduation of another set of students from the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, following the successful completion of six years of military and academic training.
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