The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has urged Nigerian Army personnel to strengthen their mental resilience, ethical discipline and character to remain effective in confronting emerging and contemporary security threats.
Shaibu gave the charge on Wednesday at a sensitisation seminar on warrior ethos, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) management, and drug and substance abuse in Kachia, Kaduna State.
Represented by the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 1, Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj. Gen. Abubakar Wase, the COAS said modern military operations require more than physical fitness, weapons proficiency and tactical competence.
He stressed that soldiers must also possess the mental strength and discipline needed to remain effective under prolonged and extreme operational pressure.
According to Shaibu, the Army’s ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, militancy and other asymmetric threats expose personnel to significant physical, psychological and moral pressures.
“Contemporary military operations demand more than physical fitness, weapon proficiency and tactical competence. They require mental resilience, strength of character, discipline and the capacity to remain effective under prolonged and extreme operational pressures,” he said.
The Army chief described mental readiness as an integral component of combat preparedness, noting that psychological resilience was as important as tactical proficiency.
He identified warrior ethos, awareness and management of PTSD, and the prevention of drug and substance abuse as interconnected issues that could affect soldiers’ fighting spirit, unit cohesion, welfare and overall mission success.
Shaibu said warrior ethos must remain the moral and psychological foundation of the Nigerian Army by encouraging troops to remain courageous, disciplined and resolute in the face of adversity.
However, he cautioned that warrior ethos should not be interpreted as an expectation that soldiers suppress genuine psychological difficulties or suffer in silence.
“True resilience includes recognising when support is required and having the courage to seek it,” he said.
The COAS urged commanders at all levels to create an environment where soldiers could raise legitimate concerns early and access appropriate support without fear of unnecessary stigma.
He also charged commanders to know their personnel, monitor behavioural changes and recognise signs that prolonged exposure to combat operations may be affecting their performance, mental health or overall wellbeing.
