COAS URGES SOLDIERS TO BUILD MENTAL STRENGTH

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has urged Nigerian Army personnel to develop mental resilience, strong character and ethical discipline to help them cope with the demands of modern military operations.

Shaibu gave the charge on Wednesday at a sensitisation seminar on Warrior Ethos, post-traumatic stress disorder management and drug and substance abuse in Kachia, Kaduna State.

Represented by the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Maj. Gen. Abubakar Wase, the Army chief said military effectiveness now required more than physical fitness, weapons proficiency and tactical skills.

He said soldiers operating against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other security threats face significant physical, psychological and moral pressures, making mental preparedness an important part of combat readiness.

Shaibu said the Army’s Warrior Ethos should encourage courage, discipline and commitment while also allowing personnel to seek appropriate support when facing psychological difficulties.

He urged commanders to understand their troops, pay attention to behavioural changes and ensure that soldiers can raise legitimate concerns without fear of stigma.

The COAS also described drug and substance abuse as a serious threat to discipline, judgment, unit cohesion and operational effectiveness.

He called for stronger preventive education, counselling and other support measures to address challenges affecting soldiers’ wellbeing.

The seminar also featured discussions on mental toughness, PTSD and the effects of substance abuse on military operations, with participants encouraged to apply the lessons to improve unit cohesion and operational performance.