Chief of Defence Staff Stresses The Importance of Training On Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to Personnel

Because of the nature of the threats they have to confront and the things they encounter, military personnel are among people that go through the silent war of PTSD 

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa Says training on stress management, post-traumatic stress disorder awareness, and emotional intelligence are crucial to the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). 

The CDS stated this during a - day First Bi-annual sensitization training by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Stress Management, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Emotional Intelligence for De-inducted troops and personnel in the theatres of operations, particularly for the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY). 

A statement by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Shittu on the 19th of July 2025 says the training was held at the Headquarters 8 Division's Auditorium, Giginya Cantonment Sokoto on 18 July 2025.

General Musa who was represented by the Director Innovation and Concept Development DHQ, Major General Warrah Idris, said over the years much attention has not been given to the effects of psychological trauma of troops due to operational stress, stressing that these have taken a toll on the emotional and psychological state of troops. 

According to him, troops do not only face physical threats of the battlefield but also the invisible wounds borne from prolonged exposure to combat stress, fatigue and unimaginable traumatic experiences. 

He noted that these battlefield challenges if left unattended to, could affect not just individual performances and well-being, but also unit cohesion, troops' morale and most importantly post-service reintegration. 

General Musa maintained that the training underscores the collective resolve to prioritize the mental health and emotional resilience of troops both in and out of the theatre, stressing that the overall effort reflects the broader vision to nurture professional and peopl-centric Armed Forces, capable of discharging it's constitutional responsibilities in a joint and collaborative environment. 

He pointed that strength is not only measured by firepower and tactics, but also by the emotional and psychological resilience of the men and women who wear the uniform, hence, commanders at all levels are charged to prioritize personnel well-being, emotional intelligence and ensure lessons learnt from the training are mainstreamed into daily operational guide and welfare considerations that would promote a favourable atmosphere for the survival of troops operating in adverse environment.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 OPFY ably represented by the Chief of Staff Headquarters 8 Division, Brigadier General Abubakar Suru applauded the visionary leadership of the CDS for continuing to prioritize the total well-being of personnel, not just in terms of combat readiness but also in terms of psychological resilience and emotional balance. 

He described the training as timely and vital, given the dynamic and high-pressure environment in which troops operate daily. 

The GOC reiterated that the Nigerian Army, indeed the AFN continue to make tremendous sacrifices in the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other emerging security threats. In doing so, troops are often exposed to extreme operational stressors that could have lasting psychological and emotional impacts if not adequately addressed. 

He therefore commended the initiative which sought to equip our troops with the tools and techniques needed to manage stress, overcome trauma, and enhance emotional intelligence in high-stakes operational environments. 

The training featured 2 lectures delivered by the seasoned senior military officers and subject experts in the discourse, deepening troops' understanding of PTSD, identify early warning signs, and develop coping strategies that strengthen individual and collective performance in the theatre.