Brigadier-General B.O. Omopariola, Commander of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Katsina, has urged soldiers to drop widespread belief among them, that indulgence in recreational drugs help users to perform well, calling it a “stupid” assumption.
Omopariola remarked this in Katsina over the weekend during a lecture titled: “Drug-Free Workplace and Community,” held as part of the 2025 Army Day Celebration.
The event featured officers from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who educated personnel on the dangers of drug abuse.
Omopariola noted that his brigade has successfully conducted numerous anti-banditry operations based on training and professionalism, not through drug use.
“The assumption that soldiers need weed to perform is stupid. Don’t bring that nonsense to me,” he said.
“Even though we are not drug law enforcement agents, we are duty-bound to ensure compliance in our formations. We have carried out many successful operations without weed.
“Any soldier claiming otherwise should be sent for counselling and treatment, and if that fails, charge the idiot,” he added.
