Nigerian Air Force Builds Mentally Resilient Warriors Through Troop Welfare and PTSD Management
As part of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the physical, psychological, and operational readiness of its personnel, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in collaboration with Arziki Brands Nig Ltd, successfully conducted a one-day workshop on 18 June 2026 themed, “Healing Pathways for PTSD and Mental Health.” Organised for military students of the Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine (NAFSMSAM) and the Nigerian Air Force College of Nursing Sciences, the workshop reinforces the NAF’s proactive approach to building a resilient, mission-ready force capable of meeting the complex demands of modern military operations. Participants received practical training on understanding and managing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and anger management, as well as the application of emotional intelligence to strengthen leadership, teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution, critical competencies that enhance both operational effectiveness and personnel well-being.
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, represented by the Commandant of the Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine (NAFSMSAM), Air Vice Marshal AC Ekpe, commended the organisers for the timely initiative and reaffirmed that the welfare of NAF personnel remains a strategic priority. He encouraged participants to embrace the knowledge gained and continue fostering a culture where seeking support for mental health challenges is recognised as a mark of strength, professionalism, and operational responsibility. The workshop reflects the CAS’s people-centred leadership approach, which recognises that the mental resilience of personnel is fundamental to sustaining decisive air power and achieving mission success.
Beyond awareness programmes, the CAS has approved the prompt rotation of personnel deployed on operations to minimise prolonged exposure to combat-related stress, while ensuring timely access to quality medical care, psychological support, and other comprehensive welfare initiatives designed to preserve the well-being of personnel and their families. These deliberate measures reflect the Nigerian Air Force’s holistic approach to force development, recognising that resilient warriors are built not only through rigorous training and advanced capabilities, but also through sustained investment in their health, welfare, and morale. By prioritising mental resilience alongside combat readiness, the NAF continues to strengthen its greatest asset, its people, while remaining fully prepared to deliver decisive air power in defence of Nigeria.
Leave a Reply