Nigerian Army Organizes Sensitization Lecture On Drug and Substance Abuse For Personnel

Nigerian Army Organizes Sensitization Lecture On Drug and Substance Abuse For Personnel

In a concerted effort to combat drug and substance abuse within the barracks community, the Headquarters 3 Division organized a one-day sensitization lecture on the physical and mental effects of substance abuse. The event, held on Wednesday, 6th August 2025, at the Division’s Auditorium in Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, brought together commanders, staff officers, and soldiers from across all formations under 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH).

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander OPSH, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, emphasized that the lecture underscored the Division’s commitment to fostering discipline, mental resilience, and operational efficiency. Represented by Brigadier General Saheed Sadiq, Commander 43 Engineers Brigade, the GOC stated, “The Nigerian Army prioritizes the welfare and professionalism of its personnel. We cannot overlook the devastating consequences of drug abuse on military effectiveness, individual health, and institutional discipline.”

Major General Oyinlola noted that the program was timely, given the rising prevalence of drug abuse in society, including within the security sector. “This scourge affects all demographics. Today’s lecture equips our troops with the knowledge to resist this menace,” he added. He highlighted the dangers of substance abuse, including impaired judgment, reduced combat readiness, family breakdowns, and loss of life. “As soldiers, we must maintain peak physical and mental fitness. Illicit substances undermine our ability to defend the nation and betray public trust,” he stressed.

Reiterating the Chief of Army Staff’s vision for a drug-free army, the GOC urged participants to engage actively in the lecture, share the knowledge with their families, and remain vigilant against substance abuse.

Deputy Commandant of Narcotics Grace Goyol, in her lecture, expressed concern over the increasing dependency on drugs among security personnel, attributing it to job-related stress. She outlined the types of drugs, causes of addiction, warning signs, and prevention strategies, assuring attendees of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA) commitment to rehabilitation and partnership with security agencies.

Other speakers included

Mr. Sunday Shuaibu, a psychologist from 3 Division Medical Services, who discussed the physical and psychological effects of drug abuse. Major Aminu Mairuwa, Deputy Director of Legal Services, who highlighted the legal consequences of drug abuse and trafficking and Deputy Directors from the Chaplaincy and Islamic Affairs, who provided religious perspectives on substance abuse.

The event featured an interactive session, souvenir presentations, a group photograph, and a display of illicit drugs to raise awareness among participants.