The Nigerian army has held a seminar aimed at tackling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and drug abuse among its personnel, especially those serving in combat roles.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, revealed this initiative while declaring an open a joint seminar titled ‘Intensifying Warrior Ethos, PTSD, and Drug Abuse’ held in Kontagora, Niger state on Friday, June 20.
Represented by Major General John Sokoya, Commander of the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora, Oluyede emphasized the importance of reinforcing the warrior spirit within the military, especially given the evolving security challenges facing the nation.
He said, “The warrior ethos embodies a deep sense of commitment, an intangible force that inspires soldiers to give their best in any situation.
“Today, warrior ethos is increasingly threatened by societal pressure and the growing trend of illicit use of drugs among army personnel.”
Oluyede explained that the seminar aligns with his command’s philosophy to build a well-motivated and combat-ready army.
He noted that the goal is to strengthen the army’s core warrior ethos, raise awareness about the harmful consequences of drug abuse, and explore ways to identify and manage PTSD among troops.
He mentioned that the seminar would help reinforce discipline, loyalty, and selfless service—key values that underpin military cohesion and operational effectiveness.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strong leadership, professional development, effective administration, and overall combat readiness to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria.
In his welcome remarks, Major General Olusegun Abai, Chief of Transformation and Innovation, explained that the seminar was designed to improve leadership skills among senior and mid-level officers while instilling a strong warrior ethos across the ranks. Abai, represented by his deputy, Major General Collins Adetoba, added that one of the key aims was to raise awareness about the negative impact of drug abuse.
He said, “It will also highlight ways to identify and manage PTSD enhancing combat readiness.”
Key presentations at the event included ‘Intensifying Warrior Ethos in the Nigerian Army’ by retired Major General Charles Ofoche, and ‘Combat Stress Management and PTSD in the Nigerian Army’ by retired Lieutenant Colonel Susan Dibal.
In addition, Ibrahim Chikaji, Area Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Niger State, delivered a lecture titled ‘Drug and Substance Abuse: Impact on Operational Effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.’
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