Drug Abuse Is a Threat to National Security — Chief of Army Staff

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has issued a stern warning to personnel of the Nigerian Army against involvement in drug and substance abuse, declaring that the military has zero tolerance for the menace, which he described as a major threat to combat readiness and national security. Shaibu gave the warning on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, during the commencement 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 army chief, who was represented by the Commander of the Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General John Lar, noted that the seminar was aimed at building trust and inspiring soldiers with a shared vision, while empowering troops to adapt quickly to an unpredictable environment. He added that the programme was also designed to preserve troops' morale and combat readiness by addressing mental health challenges and curbing substance abuse. Shaibu said the seminar forms part of ongoing efforts to sensitise junior and middle cadre officers on the need to adopt appropriate leadership styles and values to achieve overwhelming success.

In his address, the COAS emphasised that the army's operational objectives cannot be fully achieved if the mental health of its troops is compromised. He reiterated that post-traumatic stress disorder is not a sign of weakness but a battle injury of the mind, and assured personnel of the army's commitment to providing the necessary support systems, early intervention, and professional counselling to help warriors transition from trauma to triumph. "Furthermore, the Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for drugs and substance abuse. It is a twin impediment to combat readiness and a threat to national security. It undermines unit cohesion and degrades operational effectiveness," Shaibu declared.

The army chief urged commanders at all levels to intensify the fight against drug and substance abuse within barracks and formations, stressing that effective leadership in today's multi-agency operational environment requires commanders who not only give orders but also inspire, mentor, and genuinely care for the welfare of their subordinates. He expressed confidence that the seminar would achieve its objectives and urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the issues under discussion. Shaibu attributed the successes being recorded against criminals and terrorists in the North-Central and other parts of the country to the loyalty, resilience, and dedication of officers and soldiers.

Earlier, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Major General Peter Okoye, said the importance of the seminar could not be overemphasised, particularly as army personnel continue to confront the physical and psychological demands of modern military operations. He explained that the seminar was designed to align closely with the command philosophy of the COAS to advance the transformation of the army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force. "This philosophy underscores the fact that 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," Okoye emphasised.

The seminar, which brought together junior and middle cadre officers, focused on transformational leadership, the management of PTSD, and the devastating effects of drug and substance abuse on personnel. The army chief had earlier expressed concern over the growing influence of illicit drug use among some personnel, noting that substance abuse, combined with prolonged exposure to combat operations, had predisposed some troops to PTSD. However, he maintained that these challenges could be overcome through proper management and adherence to the principles of the warrior ethos.

The COAS commended the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation for working tirelessly to ensure that the mental health and general well-being of all army personnel is guaranteed. He further urged all participants to participate actively and absorb the invaluable insights that would be shared by the resource persons assembled for the seminar. "Considering the calibre of resource persons assembled, I'm confident this seminar will achieve its intended objectives," he said. As the Nigerian Army continues to confront the evolving security challenges across the country, the COAS has made it clear that the fight against drug and substance abuse within the ranks is non-negotiable, and that the mental resilience and discipline of personnel remain critical to the success of military operations and the nation's security.

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