The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has expressed concern over the growing issue of drug and substance abuse among soldiers deployed in various operational theatres across Nigeria.
Lagbaja made this statement on Tuesday in Sokoto State, while inaugurating a one-day seminar on “warrior ethos” organised by the Nigerian Army’s Department of Transformation and Innovation, News About Nigeria reports.
The seminar, themed “Optimising Warrior Ethos in the Nigerian Army: A Panacea for Operational Effectiveness,” was to address issues affecting the Nigerian Army’s operational efficiency, including the rise in drug abuse among soldiers.
Represented by Brig. Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, the acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division, Lagbaja said he hoped that the seminar would provide practical solutions to tackle drug abuse among troops.
He said that the event was focused on enhancing the warrior ethos and instilling a battle-winning mentality in Army personnel.
“The Nigerian Army has continued to review its tactics, techniques, and procedures, incorporating both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to overcome emerging challenges,” Lagbaja said.
“This seminar is part of our efforts to improve the capacity of Nigerian Army personnel and strengthen their operational effectiveness.”
He further pledged his continuous support in providing the logistics and guidance necessary to fulfil the Army’s mission.
In addition to addressing the drug abuse issue, the seminar also focused on potential threats such as chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear terrorism in Nigeria.
Lagbaja urged commanders at all levels to develop innovative strategies to enhance troop management and battle readiness.
This, he noted, aligns with his vision and command philosophy for the Nigerian Army.
The Army chief concluded by warning that drug abuse poses a huge risk to combat effectiveness.
