Nigerian Army Advises Troops to Uphold Human Rights and Shun Gambling

The Nigerian Army has called on personnel serving under the 14 Brigade Ohafia to consistently respect human rights and safeguard the rights of children while carrying out their official responsibilities.

The military authority also cautioned officers and soldiers against engaging in gambling activities and substance abuse, emphasizing that such behaviors could undermine discipline and professionalism within the force.

This directive was delivered in Umuahia, Abia State, during the opening session of a two-day sensitisation programme organized for troops of the 14 Brigade Ohafia. The workshop was conducted under the framework of the Army’s Civil-Military Affairs initiative, aimed at strengthening cooperation between the military and the civilian population.

During the programme, the troops were reminded of the importance of professionalism and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties. They were specifically warned against sharing confidential images, operational details, or sensitive information on social media platforms. According to the facilitators, such disclosures could be intercepted by malicious actors and potentially exploited for criminal purposes, thereby jeopardizing national security and operational integrity.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs of the Nigerian Army, Musa Awwal Etsu-Ndagi, explained that the workshop was designed to refresh and update soldiers’ knowledge about their rights as service members, as well as the rights of civilians and children within communities where they operate. He stated that the training would further equip them with guidance on maintaining professionalism, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.

Maj. Gen. Etsu-Ndagi also encouraged personnel to complete and update their Next of Kin forms. He noted that ensuring accurate and current records would help protect the families of soldiers, particularly their spouses and children, from exploitation, fraud, or victimization in the unfortunate event of a service member’s death.

In addition, he urged troops to promote unity, affection, and harmony within their families, stressing that strong family bonds contribute positively to emotional stability and overall effectiveness in service.

As part of the lectures delivered during the workshop, Bekwele Chukwu, Deputy Controller of Narcotics at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), educated the soldiers on the risks associated with consuming unauthorized or controlled substances. He warned that the intake of such drugs could impair mental clarity and judgment, which are essential qualities for personnel entrusted with national security responsibilities.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commander of the 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ahmad Mansur Dikko, expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, for facilitating the workshop. He acknowledged the significance of the sensitisation programme in reinforcing discipline, awareness, and responsible conduct among the troops.

The two-day engagement forms part of broader efforts by the Nigerian Army to enhance civil-military relations, strengthen ethical standards, and promote accountability among its personnel.