By Olayemi Esan
The Nigerian Army has emphasised the need to tackle drug and substance abuse, as well as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), among its personnel to safeguard their mental health, strengthen resilience and sustain combat readiness.
The Chief of Army Transformation and Innovation, Maj.-Gen. Peter Okoye, made the call on Tuesday during a sensitisation seminar on Warrior Ethos at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, temporary training area, Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State.
Okoye, represented by the Deputy Chief of Army Transformation and Innovation, Maj.-Gen. Michael Agi, said the seminar was organised to reinforce the fighting spirit of personnel while promoting their mental and physical well-being.
The seminar, themed “Warrior Ethos: Building Ethical Leadership and Unit Cohesion,” focused on the values, discipline and professional standards required to strengthen resilience, unity and operational effectiveness within the Army.
He noted that Nigeria’s increasingly complex security environment required soldiers to demonstrate mental toughness, emotional stability and sound judgment, in addition to physical strength and combat proficiency.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, which prioritises professional excellence, operational readiness, effective administration, strategic cooperation and exemplary leadership.
Okoye stressed that the Army’s greatest assets were not limited to weapons, equipment and other military hardware but also included the physical and mental well-being of its personnel.
He urged participants to translate the lessons from the seminar into improved discipline, stronger unit cohesion and enhanced operational performance.
Earlier, the Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Ahmadu, described the seminar as an opportunity for personnel to reflect on the values and principles underpinning professional military service.
Ahmadu, who delivered the opening address, said a true soldier was defined not merely by wearing a uniform or carrying a weapon but by demonstrating discipline, courage, loyalty, integrity and selfless service, particularly in challenging circumstances.
He observed that the conduct of military personnel, both on and off the battlefield, shaped public perception of the Army and influenced the level of confidence Nigerians reposed in the institution.
The commandant emphasised that Warrior Ethos required soldiers to respect human dignity, comply with the rules of engagement, remain accountable and exercise force within the bounds of the law.
He warned that indiscipline, misconduct and the pursuit of personal interests at the expense of collective responsibility could undermine military effectiveness and jeopardise mission accomplishment.
Addressing the recruits undergoing training, Ahmadu said their eventual transition from training establishments to operational units would mark the beginning of a demanding military career in which their character would be tested alongside their physical and professional capabilities.
He reminded them that wearing the military uniform represented a solemn commitment to defend Nigeria, obey lawful orders and serve the country with honour.
The commandant urged participants to actively engage in the seminar and apply its lessons throughout their military careers, stressing that strong character remained essential to sustaining soldiers through difficult operational circumstances.
SpyeTV News reports that retired Maj.-Gen. Charles Ofoche delivered a lecture titled “Warrior Ethos: Building Ethical Leadership and Unit Cohesion.”
The seminar brought together military officers, instructors and recruits to examine strategies for strengthening professional standards, promoting mental resilience, reinforcing ethical leadership and sustaining combat readiness within the Nigerian Army.
