The Nigerian Army is working to address Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and drug abuse among its personnel, particularly those deployed in combat.
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, revealed this at a seminar on Intensifying Warrior Ethos, PTSD and Drug Abuse.
Oluyede declared the combined seminar open in Kontagora, Niger State, with the title: “From Trauma to Triumph: Building Combat Ready Warriors in the Nigerian Army.”
It was organised for officers of the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery and Nigerian Army Training Centre.
Oluyede, represented by Major General John Sokoya, Commander, the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora, emphasised the importance of warrior ethos in the army, particularly in the face of contemporary security challenges.
He said: “The warrior ethos embodies a deep sense of commitment, an intangible force that inspires soldiers to give their best in any situation.
“Today, warrior ethos is increasingly threatened by societal pressure and the growing trend of illicit use of drugs among army personnel.”
Oluyede said the seminar aligned with his command philosophy, which aimed to transform the Nigerian Army into a well motivated and combat ready force.
The COAS added that the seminar aimed to strengthen warrior ethos, create awareness on the devastating effects of drugs abuse and highlight ways to identify and manage PTSD
He said the seminar would present an opportunity for troops to strengthen their inherent warrior ethos, enhance cohesiveness in military operations and promote the core values of discipline, loyalty and selfless service.
He reiterated the army’s commitment to providing effective leadership, sound administration professionalism, and combat readiness to better secure the terrorist integrity of the nation.
Earlier in his welcome address, Major General Olusegin Abai, Chief of Transformation and Innovation, said the seminar was designed to enhance the leadership capacity of senior and middle cadre officers and to still warrior ethos among troops.
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Abai, represented by Major General Collins Adetoba, the Deputy Chief of Transformation and Innovation, added that the workshop is aimed at creating awareness on the devastating effects of drug abuse.
“It will also highlight ways to identify and manage PTSD enhancing combat readiness,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that presentations were made on Intensifying Warrior Ethos in the Nigerian Army by Major General Charles Ofoche (retd) and Combat Stress Management and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Nigerian Army by Lieutenant Colonel Susan Dibal (retd).
Also, Ibrahim Chikaji, the Area Commander of the National Drug Enforcement Agency, Niger State Command, presented a lecture on: “Drug and Substance Abuse: Impact on Operational Effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.”
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