By Fauziyya Lawal, Katsina
As part of activities marking the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army Natsinta Barracks, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA organised a sensitization lecture to raise awareness on the dangers of substance abuse among military personnel and members of the barracks community.
The impactful event, held on Saturday June 28 2025, at the Officers’ Mess, was conducted on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General O.O. Oluyede, and spearheaded by the Commander of the 17 Brigade, Brigadier Gen. B.O. Omopariola.
In an opening address, Brigadier Gen. Omopariola described drug abuse as one of the most dangerous internal threats facing modern armies, warning that addiction does not only destroy individuals but can cripple entire military structures if left unchecked.“As soldiers, we are trained to fight visible enemies on the battlefield. But the war against drugs is more insidious, it attacks from within, quietly weakening our resolve, judgment, discipline and courage,” he declared.
“No army can stand strong on compromised minds. A soldier under the influence of drugs is a danger not only to himself but to his comrades and the mission at hand.”The Brigade Commander further stated that the Nigerian Army remains committed to upholding discipline, mental alertness and operational readiness at all times, adding that the fight against drug abuse must begin at home, in the barracks and in the heart of every soldier.
“This lecture is not just symbolic; it is strategic. We are here to remind ourselves that the integrity of this force depends on our ability to stay clean, focused and ready. We must not allow any substance to control our thinking, distort our values or endanger the security we are sworn to protect.”He charged all personnel, their families and community members to serve as torchbearers in the campaign against drugs, stressing that prevention through awareness is far more powerful than cure through punishment.
Following the commander’s remarks, the sensitization lecture was delivered by Assistant Commander of Narcotics Zainab I. Ibrahim of the NDLEA Katsina titled “Drug Free Workplace and Community”. She provided a comprehensive breakdown of the physical, mental and social consequences of substance abuse. She warned that drug addiction is a progressive illness that gradually strips victims of their health, dignity and control. “Drug abuse is not just about getting high, it is about slowly surrendering your body, brain and future to chemicals that offer nothing but destruction,” she explained.
“In the military, where focus, discipline and rapid decision making are critical, drug use is particularly catastrophic.”She noted that common substances like cannabis, codeine and synthetic drugs often serve as gateways to crime, mental illness and social disintegration. Zainab called on officers and soldiers to identify warning signs early and seek help, either for themselves or colleagues before irreversible damage occurs. “Let this not end as a lecture but as a beginning of deeper vigilance,” she urged. “Together, with the Army and other institutions, we can build a society where discipline prevails and the future is not hijacked by drugs.”
Earlier In his welcome address,Chief of Staff Natsinta Barracks, Colonel Y.O. Nwadiscas, welcomed all participants and said the lecture was designed not just to educate but to reinforce the values of discipline, self control and service that the Army stands for. He urged all personnel to pay close attention and apply the knowledge in their professional and personal lives.“This is part of a larger effort to strengthen our capacity, preserve our health and honour the calling we have taken as defenders of peace and order,” Colonel Nwadiscas said.
Closing the session, Commanding Officer of the 35 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel A.A. Jarma, expressed deep appreciation to the guest lecturer and organisers. He praised the Brigade’s leadership for prioritising internal sensitization, adding that the Army’s greatest strength lies in its ability to self correct and grow stronger from within.
Among those present at the lecture were the Commander 17 Brigade Garrison, Lieutenant Colonel M. Hamadikko, senior officers and men of the 17 Brigade, members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association NAOWA and families residing within Natsinta Barracks.
The sensitization lecture formed part of a series of events commemorating the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, underscoring the Army’s enduring commitment to discipline, security and the overall well being of its personnel and communities.