Islamic Affairs Conference 2025: Army Enlists Imams to Combat Soldier Drug Abuse

The Nigerian Army has launched a new spiritual offensive against drug abuse among troops traumatized by prolonged combat operations, with senior officials emphasizing the crucial role of military Imams in addressing this hidden crisis.

Speaking at the opening of the Directorate of Islamic Affairs Annual Training Week and Conference on Monday in Damaturu, Brigadier Usman Musa, Director of Islamic Affairs, outlined the Army's strategy to bolster spiritual leadership among forces. 

He explained that the conference, which brings together Islamic scholars and military leaders, aims to enhance troop performance through spiritual discipline and courage. 

This according to him, aligns with the Chief of Army Staff's command philosophy for a motivated, combat-ready force capable of addressing the nation's security challenges.

Declaring the event opened,Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by Deputy Governor Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, revealed the alarming extent of the problem. 

He stated that prolonged deployments in conflict zones like the Northeast have led some soldiers to depend on hard drugs to cope with trauma, with addictions often persisting after they return to barracks.

"The prolonged deployment in isolated conflict zones can be deeply traumatic,noting that this has compelled the Army high command to establish Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Management and rehabilitation programs,"said Governor Buni.

The Governor urged Imams to use teachings from the Qur'an and Hadith to "drastically reduce these forbidden attitudes," citing historical examples like the Battle of Badr where faith triumphed over numerical disadvantage.