In a bid to promote holistic well-being and operational readiness of troops and personnel, the Defence Headquarters has organised a one-day First-Bi-Annual 2025 Sensitisation Training on Stress Disorder and Emotional Intelligence for de-inducted troops and personnel serving in various theatres of operations.
Declaring the training open at the 8 Division Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said the initiative was designed to confront the often overlooked emotional challenges faced by gallant troops in the line of duty and after retirement.
General Musa, represented by the Director of Innovation and Concept Development, Defence Headquarters, Major General Warrah Idris, said that over the years, psychological trauma due to operational stress has affected the emotional state of personnel of the Nigerian Army.
“You will all agree to the fact that our troops do not face only physical threats of the battlefield, but also the invisible borne from prolonged exposure to combat stress and unimaginable traumatic experiences.
“These battlefield challenges, if left unattended to, could affect not just individual performances and well-being, but also unit cohesion, troops’ morale and post-service reintegration,” he said.
According to him, the training would serve as the beginning of a sustained and institutionalized framework for mental health awareness and psychological support in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He urged commanders at all levels to prioritize personnel well-being, emotional intelligence, and ensure that the training will be mainstreamed into the daily operational guide and welfare for the survival of troops operating in an adverse environment.
He expressed hope that the training will not only empower troops with the tools to cope but also foster a culture of support, empathy, resilience, and psychological strength in service and life after retirement.
The CDS further appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to the Armed Forces and for his clear vision to secure a peaceful country.
In his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, described the training as timely considering the dynamic and high-pressure environment in which troops operate.
The GOC, who was represented by the 8 Division Headquarters Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Abubakar Suru, said the Nigerian Armed Forces will continue to make sacrifices in the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other security emerging threats.
“In doing so, our troops are often exposed to extreme operational stressors that have lasting psychological and emotional impacts if not adequately addressed.”
He said the sensitisation training will go a long way in positively impacting to troops’ well-being across various theatres of operation, especially the gallant troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
He commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for the sensitisation initiative for the troops of Operation Fansan Yamma.
The GOC further commended troops for their commitment and sacrifices while assuring them of more welfare for sustainable peace and security in the country.