Hot SourceLinus Aleke in Abuja
The ex-Director of Technical Services of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sule Momodu, yesterday told military authorities that drug and substance abuse compromise the ability to achieve mission objectives during military operations.
The Retired Deputy Commander General of NDLEA also stated that drug and substance abuse also compromise national security.
Delivering a lecture titled “Effect of Drug and Substance Abuse on the Personnel of the Nigerian Army,” at the Nigerian Army War College in Abuja, yesterday, Momodu stressed that substance abuse increases the risk of accidents and casualties.
Outlining other operational consequences of substance abuse amongst personnel of the Nigerian Army, the ex-Director of Technical Services said, “It decreases situational awareness and response time, reduces the ability to adapt to changing situations, decreases effectiveness in combat and peacekeeping operations, increases the risk of fratricide and civilian casualties, and compromises the ability to achieve mission objectives.”
On how to identify personnel doing drugs, Momodu offered the following tips: “Changes in behaviour; withdrawal, irritability, mood swings, or sudden changes in personality.”
Others, he said include physical signs such as bloodshot eyes, dilated or constricted pupils, slurred speech, tremors, or changes in appetite.
“Decreased productivity, missed duties, or poor performance. Withdrawal from friends and family, or associating with new, potentially problematic individuals. Concealing substance use or hiding evidence of use.
“Denial or becoming overly defensive when questioned about substance use. Unkempt appearance, poor hygiene, or changes in weight. Frequent illnesses, injuries. Violations of military rules or regulations and self-harm or suicide attempts,” he further outlined.
He, however, proffered the following remedies, stating that education and awareness programs can significantly help overcome drug challenges in several ways.
“Provide accurate information about drugs, their effects, and risks. Teach coping mechanisms and stress management techniques to prevent drug use. Offer resources and support for officers struggling with addiction, among several others,” he said.
Earlier, Momodu had canvassed for a compulsory NDLEA integrity test for teachers, students, drivers, politicians, health professionals, and top public servants in the country to forestall the increasing case of drug and substance abuse in Nigeria.
In his welcome address, the Commandant of the Army War College, Major General Umar Alkali, said the Capacity Building was carefully designed to equip participants with relevant knowledge, practical skills, and improved approaches to service delivery.
He stated: “Whether in administration, academic support, or operational planning, our personnel must remain adaptable, professional, and forward-thinking. I encourage all participants to approach this training with open minds, active participation, and a desire to apply the lessons learned.”
Applauding the facilitators and resource persons for their presence and willingness to share their expertise, General Alkali noted the training is a clear demonstration of their collective resolve to invest in human capital and enhance institutional performance.
