The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, has warned Nigerian Army personnel against drug and substance abuse, urging them to build mental resilience and seek professional help when faced with psychological challenges. 

Shaibu said mental toughness, emotional stability and sound judgment were essential for operational effectiveness, particularly amid the complex security challenges confronting the country. The Army Chief spoke at a sensitisation seminar on Warrior Ethos, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Management, and Drugs and Substance Abuse, organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji, Kaduna State. 

Represented by the Commander, Infantry Corps, Major-General Godwin Mutkut, Shaibu said military effectiveness required more than physical strength and combat skills. He emphasised that soldiers must also demonstrate mental resilience, emotional stability and sound judgment to carry out their duties effectively. 

The Army Chief described warrior ethos as the foundation of military service, built on courage, discipline, loyalty, commitment to mission accomplishment and the determination never to abandon fellow soldiers. However, he acknowledged that prolonged exposure to combat, the loss of colleagues, traumatic incidents and separation from families could negatively affect the psychological well-being of military personnel.