The Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Cross River State Command, on Thursday, 22 January 2026, conducted a sensitization lecture on drug abuse for troops of the Brigade at the OO Oluyede Hall, Akim Barracks, Calabar.
The lecture, themed “Building Resilience Against Drug Abuse and Its Consequences,” was delivered by the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Cross River State Command, Deputy Commander Nandi Roseline Ada, who is in charge of Drug Demand Reduction.
A statement signed by Major Yemi Sokoya Assistant Director Army public relations HQ 13 Brigade Nigerian army said the programme was aimed at educating officers and soldiers on the dangers of drug abuse and its far-reaching implications on discipline, health, operational efficiency, and overall combat readiness.
During the lecture, Deputy Commander Nandi Roseline Ada highlighted commonly abused substances, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine (ice), cannabis sativa (skunk, weed, loud), opium, tramadol, pentazocine, diazepam, and inhalants such as nail polish, paint thinners, correctional fluid, and formaldehyde.
She explained that abuse of these substances carries serious physical, psychological, and legal risks. Prolonged use can result in organ damage, infections, mental health disorders, impaired judgment, and in extreme cases, death, all of which compromise operational effectiveness and discipline.
She urged troops to resist peer pressure, remain vigilant, and seek professional help when needed.
Representing the Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, the Chief of Staff 13 Brigade, Colonel N Isuwa, reaffirmed the Brigade’s zero-tolerance policy on drug abuse.
He emphasized that sound health, mental stability, and discipline are fundamental requirements for military professionalism and mission accomplishment, and encouraged personnel to internalize the lessons from the lecture.
The sensitization lecture was well attended by officers and soldiers drawn from formations and units under 13 Brigade, who described the engagement as educative, timely, and impactful.
Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army remains committed to continuous sensitization, personnel development, and sustained inter-agency collaboration with the NDLEA and other stakeholders towards maintaining a drug-free, disciplined, and combat-ready force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities.
