The Nigerian Army has sensitised more than 300 students in Yobe State on the dangers of drug and substance abuse, warning that the consequences could extend beyond individual health to affect families, communities and national security.

The awareness campaign was organised by Sector 2, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Government Girls Unity College, Damaturu.

The programme, themed, “Education as a Strategic Tool for Combating Drugs and Substance Abuse: Impact on National Security,” brought together students from schools across the state.

Commander of Sector 2 OPHK, Brigadier General Edet Effiong, who led the campaign, spoke on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.

Effiong described substance abuse as a threat to the well-being and future of young Nigerians, urging the students to rely on education, discipline and responsible choices to avoid harmful substances.

He said preventing drug abuse was also critical to national security because criminal and terrorist groups could exploit vulnerable young people and benefit from illicit drug activities.

“Education, discipline and positive choices must be your defence against harmful substances,” he told the students.

The commander reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to engaging young people and working with relevant government agencies to strengthen community resilience and address factors that could contribute to crime and insecurity.

The Director of Schools Management, Yobe State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Idriss Mohammed Fune, who was the Special Guest of Honour, commended the initiative.

Fune urged the students to take the anti-drug message to their peers, families and communities, while encouraging teachers and other education stakeholders to sustain awareness campaigns on substance abuse in schools.

Facilitators from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also delivered presentations during the programme, while participating students received writing materials and souvenirs.

The Army said the initiative formed part of the non-kinetic component of its operations in the Joint Operations Area, aimed at addressing social factors that could fuel crime and insecurity.

Sector 2 OPHK said it would continue to engage schools, communities and relevant agencies as part of efforts to strengthen public awareness, community resilience and long-term security.