The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has warned Nigerian Army personnel against substance abuse, stressing that maintaining good mental health is vital to achieving operational success.
Shaibu also urged soldiers not to view Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a sign of weakness, describing it instead as a mental injury that deserves professional care and support.
The Army Chief made the remarks through the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. John Lar, during a four-day sensitisation seminar held at the Headquarters of 4 Special Forces in Doma, Nasarawa State.
According to him, the Nigerian Army remains committed to supporting personnel dealing with trauma through early intervention, counselling and other mental health services.
“Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is not a sign of weakness; it is a battle injury of the mind. We are committed to providing the necessary support system, early intervention and professional counselling to help our warriors transition successfully from trauma to triumph,” he said.
Shaibu also declared that the Army would not tolerate substance abuse among its personnel, warning that drug use poses a serious threat to combat readiness, discipline and operational effectiveness.
He directed commanders at all levels to intensify efforts to combat substance abuse within military formations and barracks.
The seminar, themed “Transformational Leadership, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Drugs/Substance Abuse,” was organised by the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation.
According to the COAS, the programme is aimed at equipping junior and mid-level officers with leadership skills needed to inspire troops, build trust and adapt to evolving security challenges.
He noted that Nigeria’s changing security environment requires a military force that is not only well-trained but also mentally resilient and professionally prepared.
Shaibu encouraged military commanders to embrace transformational leadership by mentoring, motivating and prioritising the welfare of personnel under their command.
He also commended Nigerian troops for their dedication and continued efforts in addressing security challenges across the North Central region.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Maj.-Gen. Peter Okoye, described the seminar as timely, noting that modern military operations place significant physical and psychological demands on personnel.
Okoye said the initiative aligns with the COAS’ vision of building a more professional, adaptable, resilient and combat-ready Nigerian Army.
He added that strengthening leadership, improving mental health support and enhancing troop welfare remain essential to sustaining the Army’s operational successes.
Source: NAN.
