The Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu has warned personnel of the Nigerian Army against drug abuse and the stigma associated with mental health challenges saying such issues threaten combat readiness and operational effectiveness.

Shaibu gave the warning on Wednesday during a sensitisation seminar organised by the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation at the Headquarters of 4 Special Forces Doma in Nasarawa State.

He was represented at the event by the Commander Army Headquarters Garrison Maj Gen John Lar who delivered his message to troops and commanders present at the four day programme.

The Army Chief said post traumatic stress disorder should not be seen as a sign of weakness but as a battle injury of the mind that requires proper attention support and professional counselling to help soldiers move from trauma to triumph.

He stated that the Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for drug and substance abuse describing it as a major impediment to discipline judgment health unit cohesion and national security and urged commanders at all levels to intensify the fight against the menace in barracks and formations.

Shaibu further charged commanders to create an environment where soldiers can raise legitimate concerns early and access appropriate support without fear of stigma while also monitoring behavioural changes that may affect performance due to prolonged combat exposure.

He noted that the seminar with theme Transformational Leadership Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Drug and Substance Abuse was designed to build trust inspire troops preserve morale and equip personnel to adapt to unpredictable operational environments in line with his vision for a professional and combat ready Army.