Army Chief Lagbaja Speaks on Drug Use Among Troops During Operations

The Nigerian Army has expressed concern over the growing incidence of drug and substance abuse among its personnel deployed in various operational theatres.

According to Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), this trend is worrisome and necessitates immediate attention.

Lagbaja made this statement while declaring closed a one-day seminar on warrior ethos, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear terrorism, drug, and substance abuse in Sokoto. The seminar, tagged “Optimizing Warrior Ethos in the Nigerian Army; A Panacea for Operational Effectiveness,” aimed to enhance the capacity of personnel and battle-winning mentality.

“The Nigerian Army has continued to review its tactics, techniques, and procedures to defeat challenges,” Lagbaja stated. “This seminar highlights the threats of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear terrorism, as well as the dangers of substance abuse.”

Lagbaja urged commanders to develop innovative ideas to enhance man-management and battle readiness, aligning with his Command Philosophy. He commended the Department of Army Innovation and Transformation for organizing the seminar, which he said was timely.

Lagbaja expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his strategic guidance and invaluable support to the Nigerian Army. He assured the nation of the Army’s unalloyed loyalty to the President, Commander-In-Chief, and the Constitution.