CDS reaffirms commitment to psychological well-being of personnel
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reiterated its commitment to prioritising the mental well-being of troops and other personnel in the Armed Forces of Nigeria. This reaffirmation was made by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, during the 2025 World Mental Health Day Symposium held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The event, organised by the Department of Defence Civil–Military Relations in collaboration with Secure the Future (SDF), focused on the theme “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”
Represented by AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of Defence Civil–Military Relations, Gen. Musa underscored that the strength of a military force is not defined solely by its arsenal or firepower, but also by the emotional stability and psychological readiness of its personnel.
Mental health as a critical component of national response
Gen. Musa explained that mental health must be seen as a vital element of national response efforts, especially during crises such as conflicts, natural disasters, or humanitarian emergencies.
“Members of the armed forces are often at the forefront of emergencies, exposed to stress, trauma, and fatigue while providing relief, security, and stability in difficult conditions,” he said.
He stressed that the “unseen wounds” of trauma can be just as damaging as physical injuries. For this reason, the DHQ is partnering with SDF to strengthen awareness campaigns, early intervention systems, and access to quality mental health services for military personnel.
Building resilience in operational environments
The CDS explained that integrating mental health services into operational environments is essential to building a resilient and mission-ready force.
“Through this collaboration, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting awareness, early intervention, and access to quality mental health services, particularly in demanding operational environments,” he said.
Musa commended the organisers for providing a platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building, adding that mental health awareness is key to ensuring that no service member suffers in silence. He also encouraged participants to spread the message to their units and communities to help normalise mental health conversations.
Mental health as a national security imperative
The Founder of Secure the Future, Mrs. Saidatu Adamu, said the symposium was not merely another event but a call to action to make mental health a strategic priority for Nigeria.
“Mental health is not merely a health concern; it is a national security imperative,” Adamu said. “A mentally healthy force is an effective, resilient, and mission-ready force.”
She stressed the importance of early intervention mechanisms, sound policy frameworks, and accessible counseling support to help personnel cope with trauma and stress encountered during military operations.
Expert warns of growing mental health crisis
Delivering a keynote lecture on “Mental Health as a Pillar of National Security,” Prof. Taiwo Sheik, a psychiatrist from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, described mental health as a national crisis that requires urgent attention, particularly for military personnel serving in conflict zones.
“More than one in five people living in conflict zones suffer mental health conditions, compared to one in eight in the general population worldwide,” he said.
Sheik explained that mental health challenges often range from mild stress and anxiety to severe conditions like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many affected individuals, he noted, continue to function daily while silently battling these conditions.
Millions of Nigerians affected
He added that with Nigeria’s population estimated at around 230 million, nearly 50 million people may be living with some form of mental health condition at any given time. The numbers are often higher among those deployed to conflict zones, where exposure to traumatic experiences is common.
The professor urged policymakers to prioritise mental health in military planning and resource allocation. “Our lawmakers must allocate resources for mental health care for the military. It’s not just a military issue—it’s a societal responsibility to care for those who defend our nation,” Sheik said.
Call for a stigma-free environment
Participants at the symposium agreed that stigma remains a major barrier to accessing mental health care in Nigeria, particularly among uniformed personnel who may fear being judged or perceived as weak.
Speakers called for deliberate efforts to normalise mental health conversations within military formations and create safe spaces for personnel to seek help without fear of discrimination.
Conclusion
The Defence Headquarters’ renewed focus on mental health underscores a growing recognition that psychological well-being is integral to national security. As Nigeria continues to confront multiple security challenges, experts say that a mentally fit and resilient military is essential to achieving stability and sustaining operational effectiveness.
The symposium ended with a joint commitment by government, military leadership, and civil society partners to scale up awareness, strengthen policies, and expand access to mental health care services for Nigeria’s armed forces.
