The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has underscored the importance of developing mentally resilient and combat-ready warriors to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army. He made this known at a seminar held at Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State, focused on strengthening warrior ethos, managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addressing drug abuse among troops.
Represented by Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, Commandant of the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Shaibu emphasized that warrior ethos remains the foundation of military strength and effectiveness. He said the Army must continue to evolve, adapt, and innovate to meet the challenges of modern warfare while safeguarding Nigeria’s stability.
Shaibu commended the initiative, describing it as a step toward improving mental resilience, courage, and the fighting spirit of troops. He also highlighted the need to address PTSD and drug abuse, issues that often threaten combat readiness and troop welfare.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and strategic guidance, assuring that the Nigerian Army will remain steadfast in defending the nation against terrorism and insurgency.
Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Abai, Chief of Transformation and Innovation, also noted that the seminar was aimed at building leadership capacity and awareness on mental health management. Represented by Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Danja, he stressed the importance of eliminating drug use among soldiers to sustain effectiveness in operations.
The event featured lectures and interactive sessions on mental toughness, the effects of substance abuse, and overcoming PTSD—reinforcing the Army’s resolve to transform trauma into triumph and build warriors who embody strength, discipline, and resilience.
