Nigerian Army has embarked on a Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) seminar for soldiers and officers of 8 Division, Sokoto to address the prevalent cases of PTSD among troops.
At the seminar organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, said post-traumatic disorders often result from their engagements in various operations within and outside the country.
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Yahaya, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, who also doubled as Commander Joint Taskforce in the Northwest Operation, Hadarin Daji, Major General Godwin Mutkut, said that the operations exert significant pressure on the troops.
He said their involvement in those operations had the resultant effect of high casualty rates, injuries, damage to equipment and accumulated stress as well as other mental disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
According to him, the seminar is a step in the right direction to address Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder amongst troops, adding that this is in consonance with his command’s philosophy of prioritising the Nigerian soldier.
“You are aware that recently in Rabah Local government of Sokoto State, a soldier killed his colleagues and shot himself, though the incident is still under investigation but if the soldier was closely monitored the incident could have not occurred.
“Subsequently, Phase two of the seminar will focus on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder awareness and management campaigns to units and formations in various operational theatres.
“This is premised on our bid to realise my vision which is, to have a Professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria,” he said.
The COAS commended officers and soldiers for their loyalty and performances in the various theatres and promised to continue to provide the resources and direction required for them to succeed.
The Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Maj.-Gen. Zakari Abubakar, said that the purpose of the seminar was to create awareness on the increasing incidences of Acute Stress Reaction, Acute Stress Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder amongst the troops and its effects on military operations.
He said that the Nigerian army intended to make commanders aware of the stress syndrome to achieve reduced operational risks, increased efficiency, and improved operational effectiveness.
“There is no doubt that this forum will provide us the necessary and needed opportunity to freely interact, discuss, share ideas and rub minds on issues relating to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder particularly towards achieving the objectives of this Seminar,” he added.