COAS hosts seminar to address drug abuse among soldiers.

BY: ADAMU ALIYU NGULDE

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede has expressed concern over the prevailing cases of drug and substance abuse, especially among the Junior and Middle Cadre of frontline soldiers fighting Boko Haram/ISWAP and other terrorists in the North East region.
General Oluyede spoke at a One-Day Joint Security Seminar organized by the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Major General Sinyinah Nicodemus, which took place on Thursday at the Theatre Command Officers’ Mess, Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Represented by the Theatre Commander North East Joint Task Force ‘Operation Hadin Kai ‘ Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the COAS who was also the Special Guest of Honour said, the Seminar themed: ‘ Transformational Leadership and Nigerian Army Operational Effectiveness in a Joint and Multi- Agency Environment for Junior and Mid Cadre’ is timely, as it brings to the fore, the importance of transformational leadership and operational effectiveness; two cardinal aspects of his Command’s Philosophy in building leadership capability among frontline troops.

Also speaking, Olusegun Samuel Abai, representative of the Chief of Army Staff, who declared the seminar open, commended the choice of theme: ‘Transformational Leadership and Operational Effectiveness of the Nigerian Army in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.’

He stressed the importance of junior and mid-level officers who serve as frontline commanders in the North East Theatre in maintaining morale, motivation, and the fighting spirit of troops. ‎

The Nigerian Army has made significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, but the changing security challenges necessitate adaptive leadership, strict regimentation, and freedom from drug abuse, he stated. ‎

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support of the Nigerian Army, stating that his guidance has been pivotal to the successes achieved so far. ‎

The Chief of Army transformation and innovation was lauded for initiating the seminar, which officials described as part of ongoing reforms to reposition the Nigerian Army for efficiency and effectiveness in joint operations. ‎

Participants were urged to seize the opportunity for self-development and to commit to raising a new generation of disciplined, professional leaders who will uphold the Army’s constitutional responsibilities and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.