Army Commander Charges Troops on Discipline, Drug-Free Service and Civilian Respect in Yobe
Damaturu/Geidam, Yobe StateβOctober 10, 2026βThe Commander of Headquarters Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Brigadier General Edet Effiong, has charged troops of the 159 Battalion in Geidam, Yobe State, to maintain high standards of discipline, reject drug abuse, respect civilians, and remain fully committed to their constitutional duties.
The charge came on Friday, 9 October 2026, during an official visit to the Battalion Headquarters.
General Effiong emphasized that self-discipline, emotional control, and responsible conduct are essential to operational effectiveness, stressing that the behaviour of soldiers both on and off duty shapes the public image and reputation of the Nigerian Army.
Key Directives to Troops
The Sector Commander specifically cautioned personnel against the use of illicit drugs, describing substance abuse as harmful to sound judgment, combat readiness, and overall military discipline.
He urged troops to stay focused, uphold military ethics, and avoid any actions that could undermine operational effectiveness or bring the Service into disrepute.
General Effiong also reminded the soldiers of their duty to protect and respect law-abiding citizens.
He warned against transferring operational stress or personal frustrations onto civilians, noting that professional conduct, restraint, and respect for human rights are critical to maintaining public confidence and cooperation in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East.
On welfare, the commander encouraged troops to pay adequate attention to their families despite the demands of service.
He observed that responsible family management and regular communication with loved ones help sustain morale, emotional stability, and effectiveness in the field.
He further called on the personnel to remain loyal, dedicated, and vigilant while fostering cordial relations with civilians and other security agencies.
Discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights, he reiterated, are non-negotiable standards expected of every soldier.
Visit and Operational Context
The visit included a tour of facilities, inspection of Forward Operating Bases, signing of the visitorsβ book and group photographs.
General Effiong concluded by urging the troops to remain steadfast in discharging their constitutional responsibilities and to sustain efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and security in the North East.
Brigadier General Effiong assumed command of Sector 2 earlier in 2026 and has consistently emphasised discipline, inter-agency collaboration, and community engagement.
His recent activities include anti-drug awareness campaigns in Yobe schools and partnership efforts with agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The 159 Battalion has remained active in local operations. Just days before the commanderβs visit, troops of the battalion, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralized one terrorist, arrested another, and recovered an AK-47 rifle during an intelligence-led encounter in Abakuradi Village, Geidam Local Government Area.
Operation HADIN KAI continues as the primary joint military effort against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements across Borno, Yobe, and surrounding areas.
The latest charge to troops reflects the Nigerian Armyβs broader push to combine kinetic operations with high standards of conduct, civil-military relations, and internal discipline.
The statement was signed by Lieutenant Absolom Kandala, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Damaturu.
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