CDS Charges Commanders To Prioritize Mental Health and Stress Management For Optimal Performance Of Troops

CDS Charges Commanders To Prioritize Mental Health and Stress Management For Optimal Performance Of Troops

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa OFR has charged commanders at various levels to prioritise stress management, mental health, and emotional intelligence for optimal troops’ performance in the theatre of operations across the country. The CDS gave the charge at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) 2025 First Bi-Annual Sensitization Training on Stress Management, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Emotional Intelligence Seminar held at the Theatre Command Officers’ Mess on Friday, 11 July 2025 at Maimalari Military Cantonment Maiduguri for De-Inducting Troops and Personnel serving in the Theatre of Operation HADIN (OPHK).

General Musa represented at the event by the Theatre Commander (TC) OPHK Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar said the seminar seeks to address a critical issue that affects us all PTSD and emotional intelligence. In his words “As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern warfare, it is imperative that we prioritize the mental health and well-being of our troops. PTSD is a stress-related disorder that can develop after a traumatic experience, and our personnel are at risk of exposure to such events. The significance of addressing PTSD cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts unit cohesion, personal safety, and operational performance.

According to him, the causes of PTSD are multifaceted, ranging from combat experiences to non-combat-related traumas adding that emotional intelligence plays a vital role in managing PTSD, as it enables individuals to recognize and regulate their emotions, develop resilience, and foster effective relationships. During military service, PTSD can affect the troop’s ability to perform their duties, maintain relationships, and cope with stress.

Reiterating further, the CDS disclosed that if this critical issue is left unaddressed, PTSD can have long-term consequences, impacting troops’ reintegration into society after retirement. It is against that backdrop that the DHQ considers this seminar very important with the aim of providing our troops with the necessary tools and support to manage PTSD and develop emotional intelligence. By doing so, we can enhance unit cohesion, ensure personal safety, and optimize operational performance.

Furthermore, promoting mutual coexistence between troops and civilians is crucial, and addressing PTSD is a key aspect of this endeavour. Let us prioritize the mental health and well-being of our troops, for they are the backbone of our nation’s security and stability.

He uses the medium to appreciate the resource persons and implore participants to listen attentively, take the lectures seriously, and seek clarification that will enhance their understanding of the effects of PTSD and how to manage the situation when it arises.

Delivering the opening remarks and the significance of the Sanitization lecture, the Chief of Defence Transformation and Innovation Air Vice Marshal NV Aguiyi represented by the Director of Innovation and Concept Development, Major General WB Idris averred that the DHQ is aware of the after effect of operational deployment on troops translated as PTSD and therefore consider it as a matter of necessity to create and awareness and to address the trend to have a formidable Armed Forces that is void of psychological issues and ready for duty.

He added that the DHQ placed a high premium on the well-being and welfare of troops at the various theatres of operation due to exposures to operational activities and trauma. The seminar according to him was approved by CDS with an aim to create the need for awareness in order to mitigate the mental health, stress management, and emotional intelligence of troops which is key to individual and unit performance.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Acting General Officer (GCO) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu said considering the physical and mental strain associated with military operations, the DHQ considers it fit to add value through this sensitization training. According to him ” the training is not just timely but crucial to the overall well-being of officers and men because the unique nature of the operating system exposes Personnel to multi-dimensional challenges which we believe this seminar will address.

He added that as troops continue to face a higher level of stress, and are left unmanaged, it could cause health challenges for troops over time. Bearing all this in mind, “I therefore urge all participants to pay keen attention to the lectures and conclude with an immense appreciation to the CDS, General CG Musa, the TC Major General AE Abubakar for this timely training and warmly welcome all participants to the Sensitization training.

Lectures presented at the Seminar include. Management of Stress and PTSD in Operation for Enhanced Operational Efficiency, and Leveraging Emotional Intelligence for Effective De-Induction and Re-integration to Mitigate Post Combat Psychological Stress on Troops were delivered by Surgeon Commodore MJ Salihu and Major J Abel respectively.

The interactive session saw participants asking questions, seeking clarification over some issues raised during the lectures as well as proffering suggestions that will enhance the awareness across all the units and formations of the Armed Forces.

The seminar had in attendance very seasoned senior officers who shared from their well of experience and contributed immensely to the topical issue. There was a presentation of souvenirs to the resource persons and a group photograph. The Seminar was hitch-free.