The Nigerian Army has strongly reaffirmed its stance on maintaining drug-free military barracks, with Brigadier General Baba Tunde Omoparioala, Commander of the 17 Brigade in Katsina, declaring that soldiers do not need marijuana or any narcotics to perform their duties effectively.
Speaking at a lecture titled “Drug-Free Workplace and Community” organized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Omoparioala dismissed the misconception that drug use enhances combat performance, calling it “nonsense” and emphasizing that discipline, training, and values are the true pillars of military effectiveness.
He recounted an incident where a soldier claimed to need weed to function, to which he responded sharply, questioning why such a soldier was trained in the first place.
The General stressed that successful operations have been conducted without reliance on drugs and warned that any soldier making such claims should face counseling or disciplinary action .
The NDLEA’s Assistant Commander of Narcotics, Zainab Ibrahim, supported Omoparioala’s stance by linking drug abuse to terrorism, banditry, and violent crimes, stating that “no one beheads another human being without being high”.
She rejected excuses like unemployment justifying substance abuse, arguing that idleness is no reason for intoxication. The collaboration between the NDLEA and the Nigerian Army highlights a broader effort to combat drug abuse within military communities and promote a culture of discipline and accountability .
This zero-tolerance policy aligns with global military standards, such as the U.S. Army’s Substance Abuse Program (ASAP), which enforces strict drug testing and rehabilitation protocols to maintain operational readiness.
However, debates persist about the fairness of such policies, particularly as societal attitudes toward substances like cannabis evolve.
Critics argue that while alcohol—a more harmful substance—is tolerated, cannabis remains prohibited despite its therapeutic potential for stress and trauma.
Nonetheless, the Nigerian Army’s firm stance underscores its commitment to a drug-free force, prioritizing discipline and mission readiness over any perceived short-term benefits of substance use. [CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>>>
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