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The Nigerian Armed Forces has initiated the 2025 First Bi-Annual Sensitisation Training focused on Stress Management, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Emotional Intelligence for troops engaged in active combat zones.
This training took place on Friday at the 8 Division Auditorium in Sokoto and was aimed at officers and soldiers participating in Operation FANSAN YAMMA and other internal security efforts throughout the country.
During the opening ceremony, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, reaffirmed the military's dedication to the mental well-being of its personnel, highlighting that troops face not only physical dangers but also significant emotional and psychological pressures while on duty.
Through the Director of Innovation and Concept Development at Defence Headquarters, Major General Warrah Idris, the Chief of Defence Staff stressed the importance of mental health management alongside physical readiness in contemporary warfare.
“Our troops are subjected to invisible injuries, stress, trauma, and emotional exhaustion that may persist long after their combat experiences.
This training is a tactical step toward equipping them with the skills necessary to address these challenges,” stated Musa.
The Army Chief has called for unity and reaffirmed commitments to troop welfare. Musa also advocated for the incorporation of emotional resilience into military training and the establishment of mental health support systems within operational routines across all commands.
Major General Ibikunle Ajose, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, who was represented by Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Abubakar Suru, praised the initiative as timely and vital.
“This training equips our personnel with the necessary tools to recognize signs of PTSD, develop coping strategies, and enhance emotional intelligence, which are essential for mission success and overall well-being,” he remarked.
He further acknowledged the Chief of Defence Staff for his forward-thinking approach to troop welfare and for prioritizing mental health issues within the military framework.
The training event brought together military psychologists, mental health professionals, and staff from various units to exchange practical insights, foster peer support, and encourage a culture of psychological readiness.
