Abuja: The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising the mental well-being of troops and other personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja, at the 2025 World Mental Health Day Symposium organised by the Department of Defence Civil Military Relations in collaboration with Secure the Future.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the symposium has the theme ‘Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies’. Musa, represented by AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, Director, Defence Civil-Military Relations, emphasised that the military’s strength is not solely measured by its firepower but also by the emotional stability of its personnel. He noted the importance of treating mental health as a vital component of national response during crises, highlighting that armed forces members are often at the frontline of emergencies and exposed to stress and trauma.
Musa stressed the necessity of ensuring mental health care is an integral part of crisis response. He recognised that unseen wounds from stress and trauma can be as debilitating as physical injuries, advocating for a resilient military force through both physical and psychological fitness. The Defence Headquarters’ partnership with SDF aims to strengthen awareness, early intervention, and access to quality mental health services.
The defence chief commended the organisers for facilitating knowledge sharing and capacity building on mental health support during emergencies. He encouraged participants to spread the message within their units and communities to normalise conversations around mental health, ensuring no one suffers in silence.
The Founder of SDF, Mrs Saidatu Adamu, called for stronger collaboration to make mental health care accessible and a priority across sectors, particularly within the armed forces. She emphasised that the symposium is a call to action, asserting that mental health is a national security imperative.
In his lecture, Prof. Taiwo Sheik, a Professor of Psychiatry at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, described mental health as a national crisis demanding urgent attention, especially among military personnel in conflict zones. Sheik highlighted the higher prevalence of mental health challenges in conflict areas and urged government and policymakers to prioritise mental health in the military.
Sheik emphasised the societal responsibility to care for those who defend the nation, advocating for resources allocation for mental health care in the military. He called for accessible, stigma-free treatment for those in need, stressing the importance of mental health as a global crisis impacting Nigeria as well.