Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the military’s commitment to the emotional and psychological well-being of troops serving in various theatres of operation across the country.
Gen. Musa gave the assurance in a speech delivered at the 2025 First Bi-Annual Sensitisation Training on Stress Management, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Emotional Intelligence for personnel serving in theatres of operation. The one-day training was held at the 82 Division Headquarters, Enugu.
Represented by the Director of Innovation and Concept Development at Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Wara Idris, the CDS emphasized the importance of mental health in ensuring the optimal performance of individual soldiers and, by extension, the overall effectiveness of the troops.
“This important event reflects a growing recognition of the need to safeguard the mental health and well-being of our personnel, who continue to make enormous sacrifices for the peace and stability of the nation,” he said.
Gen. Musa noted that while troops have long been exposed to traumatic experiences during combat, their mental health had not received adequate attention in the past.
“Today, with a renewed focus on emotional and psychological well-being, we are seeing improved outcomes, both in mission successes and the holistic wellness of individual personnel,” he added.
He said the sensitisation training would equip soldiers with tools to better manage stress and PTSD, and foster emotional intelligence necessary for addressing diverse challenges in the line of duty.
“It will also educate them on the importance of seeking help from mental health professionals when needed, and help eliminate the stigma often associated with stress and trauma-related conditions,” the CDS stated.
Earlier in his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the CDS for initiating the training and for their continued support to troops of the Division.
Maj.-Gen. Olatoye, who also serves as Commander of the South-East Joint Security Task Force, Operation UDO KA, attributed the operational successes recorded in the South-East and Cross River to the leadership and support of the CDS.
“I urge all participants to pay close attention, engage actively, and ask questions for clarity. This sensitisation will refine you as soldiers and enhance your overall well-being,” he said.
Participants at the event included personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, and Nigerian Navy.
