The Nigerian Army has arrested social media influencer Justice Mark Chidiebere, along with several military personnel, for allegedly attempting to incite soldiers and violating the military's social media policy. The arrest was confirmed by acting army spokesperson Appolonia Anele in a statement on May 2, 2026.
According to Anele, the influencer and the arrested personnel are being held for questioning at the army headquarters in Abuja. The military accuses Chidiebere of using his online platform to spread messages aimed at undermining discipline among troops.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the influence of social media on military operations and the strict enforcement of policies that prohibit personnel from engaging in unauthorized online activities. The Nigerian Army has previously warned against the use of social media to spread false information or incite unrest.
As of May 3, 2026, no formal charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing. The army has not released further details about the specific content of the posts that led to the arrest.
