{
  "id": 14483020,
  "title": "COAS urges soldiers to build resilience against PTSD, stress",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/coas-urges-soldiers-to-build-resilience-against-ptsd-stress-14483020",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T16:12:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/coas-urges-soldiers-to-build-resilience-against-ptsd-stress/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, has called upon soldiers and personnel of the Army 6 Division to remain focused and resilient, particularly in challenging circumstances arising from their missions. This message was delivered during the inauguration of a three-day seminar held at the 6 Division Nigerian Army Barracks in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Represented by Maj. Gen. Everest Okoro, the Flag Officer Commanding, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Shaibu emphasized that the army acknowledges the often traumatic, stressful, and psychologically demanding nature of their operations, which require physical readiness, mental resilience, and sound judgment.\n\nShaibu stated that the seminar aims to foster trust, inspire soldiers towards a common vision, and build resilience to effectively respond to operational stressors. The program seeks to raise awareness about issues crucial to the transformation of soldiers and their supporting forces into disciplined, resilient, and combat-ready troops. Shaibu highlighted that the Nigerian Army operates in an environment characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, which subject troops to intense operational pressure and psychological strain. To address this, the seminar will cover topics such as operational effectiveness, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and the impact of drugs and substance abuse on operational performance.\n\nThe inclusion of an interactive session with families underscores the significant role of spouses in maintaining personnel well-being and contributes to operational success. Shaibu aligned the seminar with his vision of cultivating a professional, adaptable, resilient, and combat-ready Nigerian Army. He emphasized the importance of transformational leadership, regimentation, and effective junior leadership to strengthen unit cohesion, operational effectiveness, and mission success.\n\nShaibu assured that the Nigerian Army prioritizes the psychological wellbeing of its soldiers, recognizing the pressures associated with prolonged operational commitments. He reiterated his commitment to providing adequate care, sustained support, and professional attention to troops in line with the \"Soldiers First\" culture. Shaibu attributed the soldier's critical role as the most vital combat capability of the Army and emphasized the need to safeguard their mental health while acknowledging the challenges they face.",
  "summary": "The Chief of Army Staff has urged soldiers to build resilience against Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and stress resulting from their operations. Read More: https://punchng.com/coas-urges-soldiers-to-build-resilience-against-ptsd-stress/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "COAS urges soldiers to build resilience against PTSD, stress",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/coas-urges-soldiers-to-build-resilience-against-ptsd-stress",
        "published": "2026-10-14T16:12:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}