On May 3, 2023, at the 81 Division Officers’ Mess in Marina Lagos, the Nigerian Army hosted a PTSD seminar for 81 Division troops in an effort to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder among soldiers.
Speaking at a seminar held by the Army Headquarters Department of Army Transformation and Innovation, Lieutenant-General Faruk Yahaya, the Chief of Army Staff, who was represented by Major-General AM Alabi, the Commander of the Ordinance Corps, claimed that post-traumatic stress disorder is brought on by the intense pressure placed on soldiers during operational engagements both inside and outside the nation.
He added that the seminar is a step toward the correct approach for addressing PTSD among troops. He noted that troops’ involvement in these missions has subsequent impacts like injuries, and accumulated stress, as well as other mental diseases like PTSD. Along with that, he added that the course aligns with his command philosophy.
Lt.-Gen. Yahaya praised officers and soldiers for their devotion and contributions in numerous theaters of operations, and he pledged to continue giving them the support and guidance they need to be successful.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division NA, Major-General OC Ajunwa mentioned this in his welcome speech earlier. He noted that due to the growing security threats, Army has been involved in a variety of military operations over the past ten years, exposing troops to long periods of duty that can result in stress buildup, traumatic experiences, and other conditions that can lead to the development of PTSD.
The GOC further expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for his deliberate efforts to address the rising instances of battle stress among troops, which could have an impact on the morale and physical strength of fighting power. For his assistance and quick interventions, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, the Chief of Army Staff, was thanked by the speaker.
The Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Major General ZL Abubakar, stated in his remarks that the seminar’s goal was to raise awareness about the rising prevalence of PTSD among troops and its implications on military operations. In order to lower operational risk, boost efficiency, and enhance operational effectiveness, he claimed that the Nigerian Army would keep commanders informed about the stress condition.
According to Lt.-Col. SJ Dibal (Rtd), the main causes of PTSD include depression, despair, hopelessness, angry behavior toward oneself or others, interpersonal difficulties, social isolation, substance abuse, and drug use, among other things. She made this statement while delivering her lecture, “Combat Stress Management of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.”
Additionally, DCN Eziaghoghala Chinyerem, Deputy Commander, Drug Demand Reduction, NDLEA Lagos State Command, gave a speech on “The Effect of Drug Abuse on Professionalism in the Nigerian Army,” arguing that while military operations are associated with stress-inducing factors, “it is not a enough reason to indulge in such dangerous acts which exposes troops to considerable mental and physical health risk.”
Dr. Odigie-Akpataka, who lectured on “Behavioural Challenges: Causes and Effects” during the conference, said that in order to secure the safety of soldiers in various theaters of operations, the trend of post-traumatic stress disorder needs to be reversed.
The lively panel discussion, souvenir presentation, and group photos are some of the other highlights of the event.
