The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has raised serious concerns about the rising cases of drug and substance abuse among soldiers deployed for operations.
This alarming statement was made during a seminar in Sokoto State focused on improving the “warrior ethos” within the Nigerian Army.
The seminar, titled “Optimising Warrior Ethos in the Nigerian Army: A Panacea for Operational Effectiveness,” was organized by the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation.
Represented by Brig. Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, the acting General Officer Commanding of the 8 Division, Lagbaja emphasized the urgent need for awareness among troops regarding drug abuse.
He expressed hope that the seminar would effectively address this critical issue.
Lagbaja stated, “The prevalence of drug and substance abuse among troops deployed in theatres of operation has become quite worrisome.”
He underscored the importance of improving the capacity of Army personnel to enhance their operational effectiveness.
The COAS highlighted that the Nigerian Army is continuously reviewing its tactics and strategies to combat various challenges.
He said, “We are coming up with both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to defeat these challenges.”
This approach aims to not only address combat effectiveness but also tackle the underlying issues that could compromise the Army’s performance.
The seminar was designed to enhance the warrior mentality among soldiers, instilling a sense of discipline and resilience.
Lagbaja pointed out that strengthening the warrior ethos is essential for achieving operational success.
He added, “This seminar will also highlight the threats of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear terrorism in Nigeria.”
The rising cases of drug abuse in the military raise significant concerns about the mental and physical readiness of soldiers.
Drug dependency can severely impair a soldier’s decision-making abilities and combat performance.
Experts have noted that substance abuse can lead to increased incidents of misconduct, health issues, and even fatal accidents during operations.
In his address, Lagbaja urged commanders at all levels to adopt innovative management strategies to improve troops’ readiness.
He said, “Commanders must come up with innovative ideas to upscale their approaches towards man management.”
This call for innovation is part of his broader command philosophy aimed at fostering a more effective and reliable military force.
Drug abuse has become a pressing issue in Nigeria, affecting not only the military but also various segments of society.
According to recent reports, the country has seen a rise in the use of illicit substances, driven by factors such as unemployment, poverty, and societal pressures.
The impact of drug abuse extends beyond individual users, affecting families, communities, and national security.
In response to the growing concern about drug abuse, the Nigerian government has initiated various programs aimed at addressing the issue.
These initiatives include awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programs, and stricter regulations on drug trafficking.
However, the effectiveness of these measures has been called into question, especially within the military.
Lagbaja also stressed the need for support systems to help soldiers deal with the pressures of their roles.
He said, “I assure you of my continuous support to provide the much-needed logistics and guidance required for the execution of your tasks.”
