The Nigerian Army has issued a stern warning to its officers and soldiers against the sale of arms and ammunition, stressing that any personnel found engaging in such acts would face severe consequences.
The warning was delivered by the Chief of Civil Military Affairs at the Army Headquarters, Major General M.A. Etsu Ndagi, during a sensitisation workshop on Human Rights and Professional Conduct organised for troops of the 17 Brigade and Sector 2 Joint Taskforce Northwest Operation.
“Let me warn you against the sale of arms and ammunition. This will always exacerbate the security situation in the country,” Major General Ndagi said.
“The arms and ammunition can terminate innocent lives, and you or your colleagues in uniform could fall victim to criminal elements. Be warned that the Nigerian Army will be ruthless in dealing with anyone who engages in the unwholesome act of selling arms and ammunition.”
He also spoke strongly against the abuse of drugs and psychoactive substances by some personnel, warning that such conduct could further undermine national security.
“The service has zero tolerance for this attitude and will likewise be ruthless in dealing with erring personnel,” he added.
Major General Ndagi praised the troops for their perseverance and commitment in the fight against banditry and terrorism, while highlighting the complexity of the ongoing operations.
“This battle is particularly complex, as terrorists and bandits—the legitimate targets—often mingle with other Nigerians whom the troops have sworn to protect. Beyond collateral damage, there are significant challenges, so ensure that you conduct operations in accordance with the law.”
He reaffirmed the Army’s resolve to embed human rights principles in all military engagements, describing respect for human rights as both a legal duty and a strategic necessity that strengthens the institution’s credibility.
“Our operations demand not only courage and tactical strength but also unwavering discipline and adherence to ethical conduct. The Department of Civil Military Affairs is also inundated with complaints of spouse and child abandonment, which could pose potential threats to national security. I encourage you to actively participate in this workshop to derive maximum benefit,” he said.
Earlier, the Commander of the 17 Brigade in Katsina, Brigadier General Maikarfi Ibrahim, urged officers to maximise the opportunity provided by the workshop to better understand acceptable conduct during operations.
“This timely workshop is necessary because the Nigerian Army conducts operations across the country. Resource persons were carefully selected, and aspects of the program focus on family cohesion. This is an opportunity that may not come again, as it is an annual event,” Brigadier General Ibrahim said.
The workshop, which took place at the Brigade Officers’ Mess, Natsinta Barracks in Katsina, brought together senior serving and retired officers from Army Headquarters, as well as facilitators from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
What you should know
The Nigerian Army has intensified internal sensitisation efforts to curb misconduct among its personnel, particularly the illegal sale of arms and drug abuse, both of which have been linked to worsening insecurity nationwide.
Military authorities believe that strict discipline, ethical conduct and respect for human rights are essential not only for operational success but also for maintaining public trust.
Workshops like this are part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, reducing internal infractions and ensuring that counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations are conducted within the bounds of the law.
