BY FAIZA JIBRIN, 28 AUGUST, 2025 | 3:09PM
The Nigerian Army has raised alarm over the rising impact of drug and substance abuse on the combat readiness of its personnel, warning that the menace poses a grave threat to operational effectiveness.
This was disclosed on Thursday during the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation Seminar on Transformational Leadership, held in Maiduguri, where officers emphasized that tackling drug abuse must go hand in hand with building leadership capacity among troops.
Speaking at the opening, Major General S. Nicodemus, director of army transformation and innovation, said the seminar was designed not only to enhance leadership skills among junior and mid-level officers but also to sensitize them to the dangers of drugs on professional conduct and military performance.
'Drug and substance abuse remains one of the greatest impediments to our combat readiness.
'As we focus on raising effective leaders, we must also ensure our personnel uphold discipline, regimentation, and values that keep the Army strong,' he stressed.
Also speaking, the representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Olusegun Samuel Abai who declared the seminar open, commended the choice of theme: 'Transformational Leadership and Nigerian Army Operational Effectiveness in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.'
He highlighted that junior and mid-level officers who serve as frontline commanders in the North East Theatre play a critical role in sustaining morale, motivation, and the fighting spirit of troops.
'The Nigerian Army has made immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, but the evolving nature of security challenges requires adaptive leadership, strict regimentation, and freedom from the scourge of drug abuse,' he said.
He further appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army, noting that his guidance has been central to the successes recorded so far.
The seminar will feature lectures on enhancing leadership capacity, mentorship, and the effect of drug abuse on combat readiness.
Resource persons are expected to share practical insights that will help officers improve command and control, supervision, and professional competence.
The Chief of Army transformation and innovation was lauded for initiating the seminar, which officials described as part of ongoing reforms to reposition the Nigerian Army for efficiency and effectiveness in joint operations.
Participants were urged to seize the opportunity for self-development and to commit to raising a new generation of disciplined, professional leaders who will uphold the Army’s constitutional responsibilities and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.