The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has cautioned graduating students of the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, against the misuse of social media, urging them to remain disciplined and uphold the highest standards of professionalism throughout their military careers.

According to a post shared on the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Saturday, the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations Nigerian Military School, Captain Chikadibia Anele, said the COAS gave the charge during the 68th Passing Out Parade of the Nigerian Military School held on Saturday in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Represented by the Commander, Infantry Corps, Major General GM Mutkut, Shaibu urged the graduating students to operate within the principles of human rights and strictly observe the rules of engagement and standard operating procedures in the discharge of their duties.

He said, “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.”

The Army Chief noted that the successful completion of the six-year military and academic training marked a significant milestone in the lives of the graduates.

“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 said.

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 in reputable universities and colleges across the country.

According to him, “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.”

The COAS also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for strengthening the operational capacity of the military and improving the welfare of personnel.

He further warned the graduates against the misuse of social media, particularly the disclosure of classified or unauthorised information.

“You must be cautious in your use of social media and avoid disclosing unauthorised information that could compromise military operations or national security,” he cautioned.

Shaibu urged the graduates to remain worthy ambassadors of the institution by demonstrating discipline, loyalty and dedication to service wherever they are deployed.

The 68th Passing Out Parade marked the successful graduation of another set of students from the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, after completing six years of military and academic training.