The Nigerian Army has cautioned its officers against selling arms and ammunition, warning that it will deal decisively with any personnel involved in the practice.
The Chief of Civil Military Affairs at Army Headquarters, Major General M. A. Etsu Ndagi, issued the warning during a sensitisation workshop on Human Rights and Professional Conduct for troops of the 17 Brigade and Sector 2 Joint Task Force, North-West Operation.
Major General Ndagi said the sale of arms and ammunition worsens insecurity, endangers innocent lives and could also expose serving personnel to criminal attacks. He stressed that the Army would act ruthlessly against anyone found guilty of the offence.
He also condemned drug abuse and the use of psychoactive substances by some personnel, noting that such conduct undermines security efforts. According to him, the Army maintains zero tolerance for the behaviour and will sanction offenders accordingly.
Commending the troops for their resilience in the fight against banditry and terrorism, Ndagi described the operations as complex and high-risk, given that criminal elements often operate among civilians. He urged personnel to conduct operations strictly in line with the law to minimise harm and uphold professionalism.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to embedding human rights principles in all operations, describing respect for human rights as both a legal duty and a strategic necessity that strengthens institutional credibility. He also raised concerns over reports of spouse and child abandonment among personnel, warning that such issues could pose security risks, and encouraged active participation in the workshop.
Earlier, the 17 Brigade Commander in Katsina, Brigadier General Maikarfi Ibrahim, urged officers to use the workshop to clarify issues relating to conduct in the field. He described the programme as timely and essential, noting that it also addressed family cohesion.
The workshop, held at the Brigade Officers’ Mess, Natsinta Barracks, Katsina, drew senior serving and retired officers from Army Headquarters, as well as resource persons from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.