MILITARY SUICIDE: AN OBVIOUS CASE OF PTSD. By Nelly Nwaka' Ohuche

It is disheartening the recent report of a serving Army Corporal who opened fire on his colleagues killing four (4) and injuring two (2) others before shooting himself. 

Stories have surfaced about the reason for his action however it must be emphasised that whatever the reason was, it was just a trigger to an already existing issue. 
Serving at the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, Maiduguri, North-East, Nigeria where the insurgency is at its worse, it is clear he has been exposed to war possibly over a period of time hence his actions most definitely presents as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Last June 2019, the Green Heroes Foundation, GHF organised a symposium on 'Insurgency in the North-East and the Effect of PTSD on Soldiers, their families and the Society' held at NAF Officers Mess, Abuja. It was attended by high ranking military personnel's and the need for adequate support for Soldiers mental welfare especially those who have gone through war situations were emphasised. What the Military Bosses and community did with the Revelations and knowledge garnered from that is yet to be felt. 

There is an existing Nigerian Army Mental Health Policy however some questions beg for answers as to the functionality of its operations: 

1. How much is being done in terms of therapy, rehabilitation and social integration for personnel exposed to war and crisis situations? 
2. Does the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have enough mental health professionals and human resources to deal with the burden of mental, neurological and substance use abuse of their personnel?
3. Are there enough mental health facilities spread across the nation to handle the many cases that would present considering the ongoing Boko Haram war? 
4. What is the attitude of the AFN towards mentally ill personnel? 
5. Does the AFN health insurance cover for mental health illnesses? 
6. Are there policies or programs to help families and wards deal with mental health related issues exhibited by family members who are military personnel?...and many more questions.

We cannot downplay the need for the appropriate authorities in the Armed Forces to take deliberate and implementable steps to address the issues of PTSD especially as the Nigerian military battle with Boko Haram insurgency. 

We hope this recent incident will be a wakeup call to not just the Military but the society at large to as a matter of urgency do something about the situation worthwhile to address the issue.

©Nelly Nwaka' Ohuche
hypemediapr@gmail.com
@HYPE_PR





We report topical global issues from minor to catastrophic risks. We are particularly focused on global security, war on terror, international and regional relations, existential risks,human health and reproduction,as well as gender issues.

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