Army Chief Tasks Commanders On Sensitization Of Troops Against Drug Abuse

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has charged Commanders on regular and periodic sensitization of troops against use of Illicit Drugs.

General Yahaya  made the charge when he declared one day sensitization conference on Drugs Abuse for military and paramilitary in Sokoto State.

The conference was organised by Initiative Against Addition and Substance Abuse in Nigeria, IAASAN in collaboration with Nigerian Army and National Drugs and Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

He described the awareness as timely considering the fact that the myriad of security challenges facing the country.

” These challenges have necessitated the deployment of troops alongside other security agencies in various theatres of operation. 

“These operations often expose the troops to significant pressure with its ripple effects ranging from deaths, injuries, damage to equipment, accumulated stress to other post traumatic health-related cases.

” In order to escape from these circumstances, some personnel resort to seeking solace in alcohol, drugs and other related substances,” General Yahaya said.

He said the approval for the awareness conference was premised on the desire to realizing his vision for the Nigerian Army which is having “A Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria.”

He stated that the campaign would provide an ample opportunity to understanding issues related to drug abuse personnel and that will also provide guidance on the management of Addicts.

” I am glad that this sensitization is taking place in the North West where banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminalities associated with drugs are common. 

” The rate of drug use and peddling in this general area is alarming and calls for concern.

” The sensitization programme is not only aimed at creating awareness among officers, soldiers and their families, but civilians alike since drug use and peddling cut across all spheres of the society,” he noted.

General Yahaya who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, GOC, Major General Godwin Mutkut, commended the efforts of the IAASAN for organizing the all-important sensitization campaign.

He reassured the GOC that Army Headquarters would continue to provide the resources and direction required to carry out all assigned tasks.

The COAS urged participants to take advantage of awareness to enrich their knowledge, on all that need to be known about drug use and drug peddling.

In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer and Convener of the IAASAN, Ambassador Jemila Yahaya, said the sensitization was organised to educate security personnel particularly army to understand the effect of drugs abuse to national security.

Ambassador Jemila noted that her organization chose the North West region which is within 8 Division Area of Responsibility because of the upsurge of illicit drug use and peddling among the people of the zone especially the youths.

She commended Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya for his support towards ensuring the sensitization.

Ambassador Jemila urged traditional and religious leaders to take the campaign to grassroot communities as the fight was everyone responsibility.

The IAASAN-Nigerian Army Northwest Anti-Drugs and Narcotic Control Conference was attended by Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar The III, and other dignatories.

Papers were presented by Pharmacist David Ogbole on the effect of drugs abuse to national security and way forward, Professor T. Baba of the Department of Political Science, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto on Effect of Drugs Abuse on Students Performance.

Highlights of the conference was a novelty football match anthe d presentation of Awards to some dignitaries who graced the occasion.

Confidence Okwuchi