COAS Shaibu Urges Soldiers to Build Mental Resilience

On Wednesday, at a sensitisation seminar in Kachia, Kaduna State, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army, urged military personnel to cultivate mental resilience, ethical discipline, and strong character to effectively address contemporary security challenges. Represented by Maj. Gen. Abubakar Wase, the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Shaibu stated that modern military operations necessitate more than just physical fitness and tactical skills; they require mental strength and discipline to endure prolonged operational pressures.

He highlighted the interconnectedness of Warrior Ethos, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) management, and drug abuse prevention, stressing that these factors impact soldiers' morale and mission success. Shaibu warned against misinterpreting Warrior Ethos as a call to ignore psychological issues and urged commanders to foster an environment where soldiers can express concerns without stigma.

He also identified drug and substance abuse as a significant threat to military effectiveness and called for enhanced preventive measures and support systems.