The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, expressed concern on Tuesday over the increasing incidents of drug abuse among soldiers deployed in various operational theatres.
Speaking in Sokoto during the opening of a one-day seminar on warrior ethos, themed “Optimising Warrior Ethos in the Nigerian Army: A Panacea for Operational Effectiveness,” which was organized by the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation, the COAS, represented by Brig. Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, acting General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of drug abuse among soldiers.
He expressed confidence that the seminar would tackle the issue of drug abuse, among other challenges, and reassured troops involved in Operation Hadarin Daji in Sokoto State of continued support in providing essential logistics and guidance for their operations. He stated, “I assure you of my unwavering support to provide the necessary logistics and guidance required for your tasks.
“The Nigerian Army continues to refine its tactics, techniques, and procedures, employing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to overcome these challenges.
“This seminar is focused on improving the capacity of Nigerian Army personnel to enhance their warrior ethos and develop a battle-winning mentality. It will also shed light on the threats posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear terrorism in Nigeria.
Moreover, the troubling rise in drug and substance abuse among troops deployed in operational theatres demands urgent attention to boost combat effectiveness.”
Lagbaja urged commanders at all levels to develop innovative strategies to improve personnel management and readiness for battle, aligning with his leadership philosophy for the Nigerian Army.
He commended the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation for organizing the seminar, which he said would raise critical operational and situational awareness among the troops.
“I encourage you all to remain innovative and dedicated. By doing so, you will help elevate the standards necessary for the Nigerian Army to fulfill its constitutional mandate. This event is timely and will give participants a deeper understanding of key issues to enhance operational effectiveness,” Lagbaja stated.
Earlier, Maj. Gen. Zakari Abubakar, Chief of Transformation and Innovation at Army Headquarters, reassured the COAS that the department would remain committed to advancing the pillars of his command philosophy.
“The seminar is designed to strengthen the leadership capabilities of junior and mid-level officers, while also intensifying the focus on warrior ethos and curbing drug and substance abuse among the troops,” Abubakar added.
