𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗦 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗧𝗦𝗗, 𝗱𝗿𝘂𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀!

𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗦 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗧𝗦𝗗, 𝗱𝗿𝘂𝗴 𝗮𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀!

Reported by: Mustapha Labake Omowumi | Sele Media Africa Journalist

In a strategic move to safeguard Nigeria’s frontline combat effectiveness, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has identified Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and drug abuse as critical internal threats capable of weakening the operational strength of the Nigerian Army.
General Shaibu spoke emphatically at a high-level seminar on warrior ethos organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation, stressing that modern warfare demands not just weapons and tactics but also a mentally resilient and ethically grounded force. He emphasized that a strong warrior ethos—grounded in discipline, courage, and mental toughness—remains the bedrock of unit cohesion and combat readiness.

At the event, held at the Headquarters 8 Division Auditorium, the COAS warned that PTSD and drug abuse are emerging threats that “silently erode discipline, morale, and fighting efficiency,” cautioning that if left unaddressed, they could undermine the strength of units deployed on the nation’s frontlines.

According to the COAS, Nigeria’s prolonged engagements in counter-insurgency and internal security operations often expose troops to intense psychological stress, increasing the risk of mental health challenges such as PTSD. This recognition marks a shift toward addressing not only physical readiness but also the psychological wellbeing of soldiers.

Senior Army leadership described the seminar as a proactive platform to raise awareness, foster open dialogue, and develop practical strategies to enhance unit cohesion and protect troops from the debilitating effects of drug abuse and combat-related trauma.

Experts at the training sessions engaged participants with discussions on intensifying warrior ethos, confronting substance abuse, and managing PTSD among service members, reflecting a broader emphasis on holistic force development within the Nigerian Army.

The COAS also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to transforming its personnel into a professional, adaptable, and resilient force, capable of decisively addressing evolving security challenges across the country.

This focus on psychological health and substance abuse prevention aligns with broader national efforts to tackle drug-related crimes and their link to insecurity, as highlighted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s continued campaign against drug trafficking and abuse.

Citation:
1.Punch:
https://punchng.com/coas-names-ptsd-drug-abuse-as-internal-threats-to-army-success/

2.Tribune Online:
https://tribuneonlineng.com/insecurity-warrior-ethos-central-to-combat-readiness-mental-resilience-coas/

3.Voice of Nigeria:
https://von.gov.ng/nigerian-army-trains-personnel-on-warrior-ethos-ptsd/

4.ThisDay Live:
https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/05/01/ndlea-to-military-we-will-make-it-very-difficult-for-terrorists-criminals-to-access-hard-drugs/

About The Author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

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