COAS Shaibu ‌‌‌⁠‌​​‌​identifies substance, social media misuse as emerging challenges in Army

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has identified drug and substance misuse, gambling, absenteeism and inappropriate use of social media as emerging behavioural challenges confronting military personnel.

Shaibu spoke at the closing ceremony of the second Regimental Sergeant Majors’(RSMs) Convention in Benin, urging RSMs to strengthen discipline, mentorship and early detection of misconduct among soldiers.

He said substance misuse could impair soldiers’ judgment, compromise operational safety and weaken unit cohesion, thereby threatening the Nigerian Army’s effectiveness.

“A soldier whose judgment is impaired by substance misuse becomes a potential danger not only to himself, but also to his comrades and the mission the civilians have entrusted us to protect,” he said.

The COAS acknowledged the lecture delivered by the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, on combating drug abuse and substance misuse in the Army.

He said the lecture reinforced the responsibility of RSMs to identify early signs of substance misuse and work with commanders and medical professionals to ensure timely intervention.

Shaibu urged RSMs to translate the lessons into deliberate preventive education, closer mentorship, early identification of vulnerable personnel and appropriate referrals for professional support.

He also called for an environment where discipline was upheld, welfare concerns addressed promptly and soldiers felt confident seeking assistance.

To illustrate the importance of leadership at the grassroots, the COAS narrated how a warrant officer took command of a remote military base after two officers were killed during an attack.

He said the officer rallied the troops and sustained the defence until reinforcements arrived the following day.

The officer, he said, was subsequently recommended for a Chief of Army Staff commendation award and promoted to Army Warrant Officer, currently as the RSM at Army Headquarters.

The COAS said the example demonstrated the critical role of warrant officers and RSMs in maintaining morale, leadership and operational effectiveness, particularly during difficult circumstances.

He said the convention’s participation by representatives of sister services and other security agencies reflected the army’s commitment to strategic cooperation.

“No single service or security agency can independently address the full spectrum of threats confronting our nation,” he said.

Shaibu urged participants to sustain the relationships established at the convention through improved coordination, information sharing and mutual support.

Earlier, the Chief of Administration, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Issa Abdullahi, said the convention provided an important platform for discussing regimentation, discipline, mentorship, personnel welfare, professional conduct, resilience and combat readiness.

Abdullahi said the responsibilities of RSMs extended beyond traditional regimental duties to include building cohesion, mentoring soldiers and supporting commanders in personnel management.

He urged them to lead by example and ensure that the lessons from the convention translated into practical improvements across military formations.

“The success of this convention should not be measured by what happened here in Benin City alone, but by the positive changes that will subsequently be observed across the Nigerian Army,” he said.