Former Director of Technical Services at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sule Momodu, on Wednesday cautioned military authorities that drug and substance abuse severely undermine the capacity to accomplish mission objectives during operations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The retired Deputy Commander General of the NDLEA, Sule Momodu, has warned that drug and substance abuse not only impairs individual military personnel but also poses a serious threat to national security.

Speaking during a lecture titled “Effect of Drug and Substance Abuse on the Personnel of the Nigerian Army” at the Nigerian Army War College in Abuja on Wednesday, Momodu emphasized that substance abuse significantly raises the risk of operational accidents and fatalities.

He outlined several dire consequences of drug use among military personnel, including diminished situational awareness and delayed response times, reduced adaptability in dynamic environments, impaired effectiveness in both combat and peacekeeping missions, increased risk of friendly-fire incidents and civilian casualties, and an overall decline in the military’s ability to fulfill its objectives.

To help identify drug use among soldiers, Momodu highlighted warning signs such as behavioral changes—withdrawal, irritability, mood swings—and physical symptoms like bloodshot eyes, unusual pupil dilation, slurred speech, tremors, and appetite fluctuations.

He added that signs may also include declining performance, frequent absenteeism, social isolation or association with questionable individuals, attempts to conceal drug use, defensiveness when confronted, poor personal hygiene, frequent illnesses or injuries, violation of military codes, and even acts of self-harm or suicide attempts.

To address the issue, Momodu advocated for comprehensive education and awareness programs. These, he said, should provide accurate information on the dangers of drugs, teach coping and stress-management strategies, and offer support resources for personnel struggling with addiction.

He also reiterated his earlier call for a mandatory NDLEA integrity test for teachers, students, drivers, politicians, healthcare workers, and senior public officials, as part of a broader strategy to curb the rising drug abuse epidemic in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, the Commandant of the Army War College, Major General Umar Alkali, said the training was designed to enhance the capacity of participants through practical knowledge, improved operational strategies, and professional development.

He emphasized the importance of adaptability and professionalism in all areas—administration, academic support, and operational planning—and urged attendees to fully engage with the training.

General Alkali also commended the facilitators for their contributions, describing the training as a reflection of the military’s commitment to human capital development and institutional excellence.