NDLEA Sensitizes 2 Division Personnel On Dangers Of Drug Abuse

NDLEA Sensitizes 2 Division Personnel On Dangers Of Drug Abuse

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) sensitised personnel of 2 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), on the dangers of drug abuse and its implications for operational effectiveness, discipline and national security. The sensitisation lecture, titled “From Barracks to Battle Life,” was held on Thursday, 10 September 2026, at Headquarters, 2 Division Auditorium, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan.

In his opening remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Maj Gen Auwalu Mahmuda, represented by the Commander, 52 Signal Brigade, Brig Gen Danlami Ali, said the programme was aimed at creating awareness on the dangers of drug abuse and its effects on military operations. He urged personnel to listen attentively and apply the knowledge gained appropriately.

The GOC stressed the need for personnel to be disciplined and avoid prohibited substances. He further charged personnel to desist from drug abuse, self-medication and involvement in illicit drug activities. He advised those with health challenges to seek appropriate medical attention and warned that involvement in substance abuse would attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with extant regulations.

While delivering the lecture, the resource person from NDLEA, Assistant Controller of Narcotics (ACN), Mercy Titilayo Godwin, described drug abuse as the non-medical, excessive or prohibited use of drugs. She noted that drug abuse is a global challenge and a threat to national security.

She identified cannabis, alcohol, opioids, cocaine and amphetamines among commonly misused substances. According to her, drug misuse could impair coordination, judgement, risk assessment and tactical decision-making, while undermining discipline, teamwork and unit cohesion.

ACN Godwin identified combat stress, performance pressure, social and environmental factors, and chronic pain as factors that could contribute to drug misuse. She advocated measures such as random drug testing, professional counselling, rehabilitation, healthy coping mechanisms and strong leadership to curb the menace.

The lecture featured an interactive question and answer session, during which participants sought clarification on issues relating to drug abuse and its prevention.