The Nigerian Army has urged its personnel to cultivate mental resilience, ethical discipline and strong character to effectively navigate contemporary security challenges.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, made the call on Wednesday at a sensitisation seminar on Warrior Ethos, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Management and Drugs/Substance Abuse in Kachia, Kaduna State.
Shaibu, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 1, Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj-Gen. Abubakar Wase, said modern military operations required more than physical strength, weapons proficiency and tactical skills.
He noted that soldiers must also demonstrate psychological resilience, discipline, strength of character and the ability to remain effective while operating under prolonged and extreme pressure.
According to him, the Army’s ongoing engagements against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, militancy and other asymmetric threats subject personnel to considerable physical, psychological and moral challenges.
The COAS stressed that mental preparedness was a vital part of combat readiness, noting that psychological resilience was equally important as tactical competence.
He described warrior ethos, PTSD awareness and management, as well as the prevention of drug and substance abuse, as closely connected issues with direct implications for fighting spirit, unit cohesion, personnel welfare and mission success.
Shaibu said warrior ethos should continue to serve as the moral and psychological foundation of the Nigerian Army by encouraging troops to remain courageous, disciplined and determined in difficult circumstances.
He cautioned, however, against interpreting warrior ethos as a requirement for personnel to suppress genuine psychological challenges or endure them without seeking help.
“True resilience includes recognising when support is required and having the courage to seek it,” he said.
The Army chief called on commanders at all levels to foster an environment where personnel could report genuine concerns promptly and obtain necessary support without fear of stigma.
He also urged commanders to maintain a close understanding of their troops, monitor behavioural changes and identify early signs that prolonged exposure to operational pressures could be affecting their performance or wellbeing.
On substance abuse, Shaibu described the misuse of drugs as a major threat to military discipline, sound judgment, health, unit cohesion and operational effectiveness.
He advocated stronger prevention and awareness programmes, supported by appropriate testing, counselling, rehabilitation and disciplinary measures where required.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Transformation and Innovation, Maj.-Gen. Peter Augustine, represented by his deputy, Maj.-Gen. I.O. Bassey, said the seminar was organised to address key challenges associated with the physical and psychological demands of contemporary military operations.
Augustine said the initiative was consistent with the COAS’s vision, particularly his focus on stronger leadership and mentorship, improved unit cohesion and greater operational efficiency.
He stressed that the Army’s transformation agenda should go beyond equipment, technology and doctrine to place greater emphasis on its most important asset—the human element.
“The Nigerian Army must remain a modern, adaptive and people-centred force, capable of responding effectively to current and emerging challenges,” he said.
