129
By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Nigerian Army has raised serious concerns over a surge in drug and substance abuse among its personnel, cautioning that the growing trend poses a major threat to discipline, operational efficiency, and the overall combat readiness of troops deployed across various conflict zones in the country.
Major General OS Abai, Chief of Transformation and Innovation, issued the warning on Thursday during a seminar on transformational leadership held at the Theatre Command Officers’ Mess, 7 Division, in Maiduguri.
Describing the situation as a “malaise” within the ranks, Major General Abai stressed that the impact of drug abuse among soldiers is eroding discipline and weakening the effectiveness of military operations.
“Drug abuse among personnel is becoming a malaise that undermines our effectiveness in combat zones,” he said, noting that leadership, regimentation, and discipline are essential to reposition the Nigerian Army for its constitutional responsibilities.
The seminar, themed “Transformational Leadership and NA Operational Effectiveness in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,” was organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation. It was attended by senior military officers, commanders, and representatives from other security agencies and institutions.
The event featured two key lectures titled: “Building the Leadership Capacity of Junior and Mid-Cadre Commanders: The Role of Operational Level Commanders in the NA” and “Effects of Drug/Substance Abuse on Combat Readiness in the NA.”
General Abai emphasised that the seminar aimed to build leadership capacity, institutionalise mentorship, and motivate junior and mid-level commanders to lead more effectively within joint operations.
“This initiative is in line with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, which focuses on consolidating the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a well-motivated, combat-ready force,” he explained.
He encouraged participants to engage actively in the discussions, highlighting that developing capable leaders and addressing the issue of indiscipline and substance abuse are critical to the success of military operations.
“Building competent leaders and tackling indiscipline and drug abuse among troops are vital to the success of ongoing military operations,” he said.
The seminar concluded with a renewed call for improved leadership, mentorship, and collaboration across all levels of command to enhance the Nigerian Army’s effectiveness in joint and multi-agency engagements.