Le COAS met en garde les soldats contre la drogue et l'abus de substances

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has issued a stern warning to Nigerian Army personnel nationwide against participation in drug use and substance abuse, emphasizing that such activities can severely impair their ability to perform their duties. The directive came during the opening session of a four-day seminar on “Transformational Leadership, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder And Drug/Substance Abuse” held at the 4 Special Forces Command in Doma, Nasarawa State. The seminar, attended by senior military officials and personnel, aims to address critical aspects of mental health, leadership, and operational preparedness. The seminar was launched under the auspices of the Nigerian Army’s broader initiative to improve the welfare and performance of its ranks. Lt. Gen. Shaibu, who was represented by Maj-Gen. John Lar, Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, highlighted the importance of fostering trust and unity among soldiers while equipping them with the tools needed to navigate complex and unpredictable environments. He stressed that maintaining high morale and combat readiness requires proactive measures to tackle both mental health challenges and the pervasive issue of substance abuse within the armed forces. In his remarks, the COAS reiterated that the Nigerian Army has a strict policy of zero tolerance toward drugs and substance abuse, describing these as major threats to national security and operational effectiveness. He pointed out that such behaviors undermine unit cohesion and degrade the overall combat capability of the force. To counter these challenges, the COAS called upon commanders at all levels to intensify their efforts in combating drug-related activities within barracks and military units. The seminar also serves as part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing strategy to sensitize junior and middle-ranking officers on the importance of adopting effective leadership styles and ethical values. This effort is aligned with the army’s broader mission to transform itself into a more professional, adaptive, and resilient force capable of meeting the demands of contemporary warfare. Lt. Gen. Shaibu expressed confidence in the outcomes of the seminar, citing the expertise of the resource persons invited to deliver presentations on relevant topics. Maj-Gen. Peter Okoye, head of the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation, praised the significance of the event, especially given the increasing physical and psychological pressures faced by military personnel. He emphasized that the seminar is designed to complement the COAS’s command philosophy, which prioritizes the development of leadership qualities and mental resilience among soldiers. According to Okoye, the strength of the Nigerian Army lies not only in its technological capabilities but also in the mental and emotional fortitude of its members. Participants in the seminar were encouraged to engage actively with the content and benefit from the insights provided by experts. The event marked a key step in the army’s commitment to enhancing the well-being and performance of its personnel. As the seminar progresses, it is expected to provide valuable knowledge and strategies for managing stress, improving leadership skills, and reinforcing discipline and professionalism within the ranks.