COAS urges soldiers to build mental resilience, strong character

Nigerian Army chief Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu has urged soldiers to strengthen their mental resilience and character as they confront prolonged security operations.

Speaking through Maj. Gen. Abubakar Wase at a seminar in Kachia, Kaduna State, Shaibu said modern military operations require more than physical fitness, weapons skills and tactical competence. Soldiers also need the mental strength and discipline to remain effective under extreme pressure.

He linked the Warrior Ethos, post-traumatic stress disorder awareness and drug-abuse prevention, saying all three affect fighting spirit, unit cohesion, welfare and mission success. The Warrior Ethos, he said, should remain the Nigerian Army’s moral and psychological foundation, encouraging troops to stay courageous, disciplined and resolute.

Shaibu cautioned commanders not to treat that ethos as a demand that soldiers suppress genuine psychological difficulties or suffer in silence. He called on commanders to create an environment where personnel can raise concerns early and receive support without unnecessary stigma. Commanders should also monitor behavioral changes and recognize signs that combat exposure may be affecting soldiers’ performance or wellbeing.

He described drug and substance abuse as a serious threat to military discipline, judgment, health, unit cohesion and operational effectiveness.

“

Contemporary military operations demand more than physical fitness, weapon proficiency and tactical competence. They require mental resilience, strength of character, discipline and the capacity to remain effective under prolonged and extreme operational pressures.