The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has called on military commanders at all levels to prioritise the mental health, emotional intelligence, and stress management of troops to improve operational performance and overall well-being.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has called on military commanders at all levels to prioritise the mental health, emotional intelligence, and stress management of troops to improve operational performance and overall well-being.
Lieutenant Colonel Ajemasu Yake Jingina, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 7 Division Nigerian Army, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
This charge was delivered on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Defence Headquarters’ (DHQ) First Bi-Annual Sensitisation Training on Stress Management, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Emotional Intelligence, held at the Theatre Command Officers’ Mess, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
The seminar was organised for de-inducting troops and personnel serving under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
Represented by the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the CDS stated that PTSD and emotional intelligence are critical topics for the Nigerian Armed Forces, especially as they continue to face complex and traumatic battlefield conditions.
“As we navigate modern warfare, we must prioritise the mental health of our troops,” General Musa said. “PTSD can impair operational performance, relationships, and the ability to cope with stress. Left unaddressed, it affects reintegration into society post-retirement.”
He emphasised that the seminar aimed to equip troops with tools to manage PTSD and improve emotional intelligence, which, he said, plays a key role in developing resilience and enhancing unit cohesion.
The CDS also urged participants to take the seminar seriously and engage with the resource persons.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Chief of Defence Transformation and Innovation, Air Vice Marshal NV Aguiyi, Major General WB Idris, Director of Innovation and Concept Development, said the DHQ recognises the psychological toll of operations and considers the seminar a strategic step to mitigate its effects.
“Troops are regularly exposed to trauma in theatres of operation,” Idris said. “Creating awareness and providing psychological tools is vital to developing a resilient and duty-ready force.”
In his welcome address, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, described the training as both timely and necessary.
“The multidimensional challenges troops face demand this kind of initiative. Stress, if left unchecked, leads to long-term health consequences. We must be proactive in equipping our personnel psychologically,” he noted.
The seminar featured two major lectures: “Management of Stress and PTSD in Operations for Enhanced Operational Efficiency” by Surgeon Commodore MJ Salihu and “Leveraging Emotional Intelligence for Effective De-Induction and Re-integration” by Major J Abel.
An interactive session followed, with participants asking questions, clarifying concerns, and sharing suggestions to enhance mental health awareness across the military.
The seminar concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to the resource persons and a group photograph. It was attended by senior officers and other personnel across OPHK formations.