By Habibu Harisu
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the Nigerian military is prioritising the mental resilience and emotional well-being of its personnel during and after operations.
Gen. Musa made this known on Friday in Sokoto at the opening of the Defence Headquarters’ 2025 First Bi-Annual Sensitisation Training on Stress Management, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Emotional Intelligence for personnel of Operation Fansan Yamma.
Represented by the Director of Innovation and Concept Development at Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Warrah Idris, the CDS described the psychological well-being of troops in operations as essential to mission success.
He emphasised that maintaining soldiers’ mental health was critical to ensuring optimal performance both individually and collectively, adding that the military would continue to prioritise initiatives in the area.
“Troops are often exposed to traumatic conditions during battles, yet in the past, mental health and well-being received little attention.
“This initiative is designed to confront the often overlooked emotional challenges faced by our gallant personnel, both in active service and after retirement,” Musa said.
He warned that ignoring the issues could negatively affect performance, morale, unit cohesion, and post-service life.
Musa also noted that introducing structured mental health therapies had led to better operational outcomes and improved wellness among personnel.
Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the CDS for their support in promoting personnel well-being.
Represented by the Division’s Chief of Staff, Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Suru, Ajose said the sensitisation reflected a growing awareness of the need to safeguard the mental health of those who sacrifice daily for Nigeria’s peace and stability.
He urged participants to engage fully with the training. “Pay attention, ask questions, and apply what you learn.
“This will not only refine you as a soldier but enhance your overall well-being,” Ajose said.
He acknowledged the heavy psychological and emotional burdens placed on troops fighting insurgency, banditry, and other security threats.
“This training will deepen your understanding of PTSD and boost both individual and collective performance.
“Emotional intelligence, in particular, helps personnel manage their own emotions and those of others, an essential skill for cohesion, effective leadership, and operational success,” he added. (NAN)