Nigerian Military launches mental health training for frontline Troops

By Gbolahan Salman, Sokoto

In a bold move to strengthen the psychological resilience of its personnel, the Armed Forces of Nigeria has launched the 2025 First Bi-Annual Sensitization Training on Stress Management, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Emotional Intelligence for troops engaged in active combat operations.

The training, which took place on Friday at the 8 Division Auditorium in Sokoto, is tailored specifically for officers and soldiers deployed in Operation FANSAN YAMMA and other internal security missions nationwide.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to the mental well-being of its troops, stressing that combat readiness must include both physical and emotional preparedness.

Represented by the Director of Innovation and Concept Development at Defence Headquarters, Major General Warrah Idris, the CDS said:

“Our troops are not only facing physical dangers but are also battling invisible wounds—stress, trauma, and emotional fatigue—that persist long after combat. This training is a strategic investment in their mental health and operational effectiveness.”

General Musa emphasized the need to incorporate emotional resilience into military training curricula and operational routines across all commands, adding that mental health support must be an institutional priority.

Also speaking at the event, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander, Sector Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, represented by the Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Abubakar Suru, described the initiative as “timely and vital” to troop welfare.

“This program equips our personnel with practical tools to recognize PTSD symptoms, manage stress, and enhance emotional intelligence—critical elements for mission success and personal well-being,” he said.

General Ajose commended the Defence Headquarters for mainstreaming mental health support in the military’s welfare agenda, hailing General Musa’s leadership in championing holistic care for frontline troops.

The sensitization program brings together military psychologists, mental health experts, and personnel from various formations to share strategies on emotional regulation, peer support, and self-care in high-pressure environments.

Participants are expected to gain a deeper understanding of combat-related psychological triggers and learn techniques to maintain mental resilience both during and after deployment.

The initiative underscores a paradigm shift in the Armed Forces’ approach to troop welfare, broadening its focus from physical fitness to comprehensive mental preparedness. It also aligns with the wider efforts of the Defence Headquarters under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to boost morale, enhance performance, and ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s military operations.