The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to the mental health, welfare, and operational readiness of its personnel through a specialised workshop aimed at enhancing resilience and managing combat-related stress.
In an official signed statement, the Nigerian Air Force disclosed that it successfully conducted a one-day workshop on June 18, 2026, themed “Healing Pathways for PTSD and Mental Health,” in collaboration with Arziki Brands Nig Ltd. The programme was 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 formed part of the NAF’s proactive efforts to build a resilient and mission-ready force capable of responding effectively to 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 improve leadership, teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at the event, the Commandant of NAFSMSAM, Air Vice Marshal AC Ekpe, commended the organisers for the timely initiative and reiterated that the welfare of personnel remains a strategic priority for the Service.
Air Vice Marshal Ekpe urged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the workshop and continue promoting a culture in which seeking support for mental health challenges is viewed as a demonstration of strength, professionalism, and operational responsibility.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the people-centred leadership philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff, which recognises mental resilience as a critical component of sustaining decisive air power and achieving mission success.
The statement further revealed that beyond awareness programmes, Air Marshal Aneke has approved the prompt rotation of personnel deployed on operations to reduce prolonged exposure to combat-related stress. The measures also include timely access to quality healthcare, psychological support services, and comprehensive welfare programmes designed to safeguard the well-being of personnel and their families.
According to the statement, these initiatives reflect the Nigerian Air Force’s holistic approach to force development, acknowledging that effective military personnel are built not only through rigorous training and advanced capabilities but also through sustained investment in their health, welfare, and morale.
The NAF maintained that by prioritising mental resilience alongside combat readiness, it continues to strengthen its most valuable asset, its personnel, while remaining fully prepared to deliver decisive air power in defence of Nigeria.
