The Nigerian Army has expressed concern over rising cases of drug and substance abuse among some of its personnel, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to discipline and the combat readiness of troops deployed in theatres of operation across the country.
Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Major General OS Abai, raised the alarm in Maiduguri on Thursday, stressing that drug abuse among soldiers was becoming a “malaise” undermining effectiveness in combat zones.
He noted that leadership, regimentation and discipline remain critical in repositioning the Army to meet its constitutional responsibilities.
Major General Abai spoke during a seminar on transformational leadership, organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation, at the Theatre Command Officers’ Mess, 7 Division.
The event was attended by senior officers, commanders and resource persons from security agencies and institutions.
He explained that the seminar, with the theme “Transformational Leadership and NA Operational Effectiveness in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,” was designed to enhance leadership efforts, institutionalise mentorship and inspire junior and mid-level commanders to embrace efficiency in command.
The sessions featured two lectures: “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 added that the initiative aligns with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, which seeks to consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a well-motivated, combat-ready force capable of fulfilling its duties effectively within a joint and multi-agency framework.
He urged participants to contribute meaningfully to the discussions, emphasising that building competent leaders and tackling indiscipline and drug abuse among troops are vital to the success of ongoing military operations.
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