KACHIA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, called on military personnel on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, to develop mental resilience, ethical discipline, and strong character to confront modern security threats. Speaking at a sensitisation seminar in Kachia, Kaduna State, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu stated that modern military operations require psychological resilience alongside physical fitness and tactical proficiency.
Golden Info reports that Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, highlighted that ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and militancy expose troops to significant physical, psychological, and moral pressures. Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase delivered the address during the seminar, which focused on Warrior Ethos, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder management, and the prevention of drug abuse.
Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu emphasized that warrior ethos serves as the foundation of the Nigerian Army, but urged commanders not to mistake it for ignoring psychological difficulties. He stated that true resilience involves seeking support when required, calling on commanders to create environments where personnel can raise mental health concerns early without facing stigma.
Addressing substance abuse, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu described drug abuse as a severe threat to military discipline, judgment, health, and unit cohesion. He advocated for strengthened educational prevention programs, regular testing, counseling, rehabilitation, and appropriate disciplinary action.
Speaking earlier at the event, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Transformation and Innovation, Maj.-Gen. Peter Augustine, represented by his deputy, Maj.-Gen. I.O. Bassey, outlined that the army’s transformation agenda prioritizes the human element alongside technological and doctrine improvements. Maj.-Gen. Peter Augustine stated that the army must remain an adaptive and people-centered force.
The seminar, themed “Warrior Ethos: Building Ethical Leadership and Unit Cohesion,” featured lectures on mental toughness, the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on operational readiness, and interactive sessions between military officers and agency representatives.