Nigerian Army Chief Shaibu Addresses Drug Abuse and Mental Health

On October 28, 2026, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army, warned soldiers against drug abuse and emphasized the need for mental resilience during a sensitisation seminar on Warrior Ethos, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Management, and Drugs/Substance Abuse. The seminar was organized by the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry in Jaji, Kaduna State.

Represented by Maj Gen Godwin Mutkut, Shaibu stated that mental toughness, emotional stability, and sound judgment are essential for operational effectiveness amid complex security challenges. He acknowledged the psychological toll of combat exposure and urged commanders to combat the stigma associated with seeking psychological support.

Shaibu highlighted that substance abuse could impair judgment and discipline, calling for preventive education, early identification, and rehabilitation measures. He encouraged military units to implement the seminar's recommendations, including improved welfare services and counselling for soldiers returning from traumatic deployments.