COAS warns soldiers against substance abuse, stresses mental health

n n

Shaibu

n

By Edwin Philip, Lafia

n

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has urged personnel of the Nigerian Army to avoid substance abuse, stressing that sound mental health is essential for achieving operational objectives.

n

Shaibu also said Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) should not be seen as a sign of weakness but as a battle injury of the mind that requires proper attention and support.

n

The COAS, represented by the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. John Lar, stated this on Wednesday during a four-day sensitisation seminar held at the Headquarters of 4 Special Forces, Doma, Nasarawa State.

n

“I want to reiterate that 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.

n

The Army chief warned that substance abuse among troops would not be tolerated, describing it as a major threat to combat readiness, unit cohesion and operational effectiveness.

n

“I urge commanders at all levels to intensify the fight against this menace within our barracks and formations,” he said.

n

The seminar, titled “Transformational Leadership, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Drugs/Substance Abuse,” was organised by the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation.

n

Shaibu said the programme was designed to build trust, inspire troops through shared vision and empower personnel to adapt to unpredictable operational environments.

n

He added that the initiative was part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to sensitise junior and mid-level officers on effective leadership practices and values required for successful command.

n

“The seminar focuses on three very critical pillars of modern military operations: transformational leadership, management of post-traumatic stress disorder and the devastating effects of drugs and substance abuse,” he said.

n

According to him, the changing nature of security threats facing the country requires a professional, resilient and psychologically sound military force.

n

He urged junior and mid-level commanders to embrace transformational leadership by not only giving orders but also inspiring, mentoring and caring for the welfare of their subordinates.

n

The COAS commended troops for their loyalty and commitment, particularly their efforts in tackling security challenges in North Central Nigeria.

n

Also speaking, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Maj.-Gen. Peter Okoye, described the seminar as timely, given the physical and psychological demands of modern military operations.

n

Okoye said the programme aligned with the COAS Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force.

n

“The strength of the Nigerian Army lies not only in its equipment and capabilities but also in the resilience, discipline and mental readiness of its personnel,” he said.

n

He added that as the Army continues to record successes in training and operations, there was a need to sustain efforts aimed at improving leadership quality, mental health, troop cohesion and operational efficiency.

n n