Nigerian Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has raised serious concerns about the increasing issue of drug abuse among soldiers deployed in operations across the country. He described the situation as “worrisome,” highlighting the negative impact of substance abuse on the combat effectiveness of troops. This issue came to light during a seminar on warrior ethos, where the army’s strategies for combating various challenges, including terrorism and banditry, were discussed.
Lagbaja emphasized the need for continuous training and awareness to address the problem, urging military commanders to adopt innovative approaches to ensure discipline and readiness among troops. This concern is particularly pressing given the ongoing military operations in volatile areas like Sokoto, where soldiers are combating terrorism and banditry. The seminar also covered threats related to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear terrorism, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a strong and focused military force.
The Nigerian Army is actively reviewing its tactics and procedures to mitigate the growing threat posed by substance abuse among soldiers in the field.
