Addressing Drug Abuse: A Call to Action from the Chief of Army Staff
On Tuesday, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Nigeria, expressed deep concern over the increasing instances of drug abuse among soldiers serving in various operational areas. This issue of drug abuse is particularly alarming, as it poses significant challenges not only to the health and wellbeing of the troops but also to the overall effectiveness of military operations. General Lagbaja raised this crucial concern during a seminar held in Sokoto, focused on enhancing the warrior ethos within the Nigerian Army. The seminar, themed “Optimising Warrior Ethos in the Nigerian Army: A Panacea for Operational Effectiveness,” was organized by the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation.
The event was inaugurated by Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, the acting General Officer Commanding the 8 Division, who represented General Lagbaja. The COAS articulated his hope that the discussions during this seminar would address the pressing issue of drug abuse among soldiers, in addition to tackling other important matters related to military readiness and effectiveness.
In his address, General Lagbaja reassured the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, which is actively engaged in counter-terrorism efforts in Sokoto State, that they would continue to receive essential support, including logistics and operational guidance. “I can assure you of my continuous support to provide the much-needed logistics and guidance required for the execution of your tasks,” he stated. This commitment is vital, especially in light of the challenges posed by drug abuse, which can hinder operational success and combat readiness.
The seminar was designed to enhance the capabilities of the Nigerian Army personnel by instilling a strong sense of warrior ethos and a mentality focused on victory. General Lagbaja emphasized that the Nigerian Army is constantly reviewing its tactics, techniques, and procedures to develop both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies aimed at overcoming various challenges, including the pervasive issue of drug abuse. He highlighted that this seminar would not only address drug abuse but also shed light on broader security concerns, such as the threats posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear terrorism in Nigeria.
The rising cases of drug and substance abuse among soldiers deployed in conflict zones are particularly troubling, as they can lead to decreased combat effectiveness. Recognizing this, General Lagbaja called for greater awareness among troops to combat this issue effectively. “The prevailing incidence of drug and substance abuse among troops deployed in theatres of operation has become quite worrisome and necessitates troops’ awareness in a bid to enhance combat effectiveness,” he explained.
To tackle these challenges, General Lagbaja urged commanders at all levels to develop innovative approaches to improve personnel management and enhance battle readiness. He underscored that such initiatives align with his command philosophy for the Nigerian Army. The COAS commended the Department of Army Innovation and Transformation for organizing the seminar, believing it would significantly raise the operational and situational awareness of the troops.
“I implore you all to remain innovative and committed. By so doing, you will have helped to raise the standard that the Nigerian Army requires to deliver on its constitutional mandate,” General Lagbaja stated. He further emphasized the importance of understanding key issues, particularly the impact of drug abuse on operational effectiveness, as a vital part of their training and development.
Earlier in the seminar, Major General Zakari Abubakar, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation from the Army Headquarters, reassured General Lagbaja of the department’s commitment to driving forward the pillars of the COAS command philosophy. He indicated that the seminar’s primary objective is to optimize the leadership capacity of junior and mid-level officers while simultaneously intensifying the warrior ethos and addressing the serious problem of drug and substance abuse among the troops.
Abubakar stated, “The seminar is organized to optimise the leadership capacity of junior and middle-class officers as well as to intensify warrior ethos and check the menace of drug and substance abuse among the troops.” This sentiment reflects a collective recognition within the Army that drug abuse must be tackled head-on to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the force.
General Lagbaja’s address at the seminar serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the Nigerian Army, particularly concerning drug abuse among soldiers. His commitment to addressing these issues underscores the necessity for continuous innovation, support, and awareness within the ranks. By fostering a robust warrior ethos and promoting effective strategies to combat drug abuse, the Nigerian Army can enhance its operational effectiveness and fulfill its constitutional mandate more effectively. As the seminar progresses, it is hoped that fruitful discussions and actionable insights will emerge, paving the way for a stronger, more resilient military force dedicated to protecting the nation and its citizens.