The Armed Forces of Nigeria has officially launched the 2025 First Bi-Annual Sensitization Training focused on stress management, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and emotional intelligence for troops deployed in active combat zones.
The training took place on Friday at the 8 Division Auditorium in Sokoto and was specifically designed for personnel involved in Operation FANSAN YAMMA and other internal security operations across the country.
At the opening ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, reiterated the military’s commitment to the mental well-being of its forces. He noted that beyond physical threats, troops face significant emotional and psychological challenges while carrying out their duties.
Represented by Major General Warrah Idris, Director of Innovation and Concept Development at Defence Headquarters, General Musa stressed the importance of mental health in modern military operations.
“Our troops face invisible wounds—stress, trauma, and emotional fatigue—that often outlast the battlefield. This training is a strategic initiative to equip them with the tools to cope with those challenges,” he stated.
He advocated for emotional resilience to be embedded in military training programs and called for mental health support systems to be fully integrated into operational routines across all military commands.
Also addressing attendees, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander of Sector Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Ibikunle Ajose—represented by Brigadier General Abubakar Suru, Chief of Staff—praised the initiative as both timely and essential.
“This programme equips our personnel with the skills to recognize PTSD, develop effective coping strategies, and enhance emotional intelligence—critical components for mission success and personal well-being,” he said.
He further commended the Chief of Defence Staff for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to prioritizing troop welfare, particularly mental health, within the military command structure.
The event brought together military psychologists, mental health professionals, and personnel from various formations to share practical knowledge, foster peer support, and promote a culture of psychological readiness in the Armed Forces.
