Prioritize Soldiers' Mental State to Boost Operational Effectiveness - Lt Gen Farouk Yahaya
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya (rtd), has called for deliberate and sustained efforts to prioritize the mental and emotional wellbeing of soldiers, noting that a soldier’s psychological state directly influences operational performance on the battlefield.
The retired Army Chief made this known while delivering a lecture titled "The Soldier First Concept in Shaping a New Culture for Transformation in the Nigerian Army" at the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), held at the Nigerian Defence Academy Auditorium in Kaduna.
General Yahaya stressed that the effectiveness of troops does not rely solely on training and firepower, but also on the welfare and morale of individual soldiers. According to him, factors as basic as nutritious food, adequate rest, access to healthcare, and protection from harsh weather significantly influence a soldier’s combat readiness and resilience.
"The more fatigued a soldier is, the more susceptible to fear they become, and the greater their fear, the greater the drain on their energy," Yahaya stated, citing the physiological and psychological toll of prolonged exposure to harsh conditions without proper care.
He emphasized that ensuring soldiers have access to good food, hygiene, sleep, and medical care is not a luxury but a necessity for mission success.
“Efforts should be made to continuously improve soldiers' medical care and avoid instances where soldiers have to buy drugs themselves from their meagre resources,” the retired General added.
Yahaya’s address aligns with the overarching theme of this year’s NADCEL, which emphasizes transformation, professionalism, and troop-centric reforms within the Nigerian Army. His advocacy for a “Soldier First” philosophy reiterates the need to view the fighting force not just as instruments of war but as human beings whose morale and motivation are critical to national security.
His comments have resonated strongly within military and defense circles, reinforcing the growing discourse on the need for a more holistic approach to military leadership one that pays attention to the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of personnel.
The NADCEL celebration continues with a series of lectures, parades, and commemorative activities aimed at honoring the service and sacrifice of Nigerian soldiers while spotlighting strategic reforms in the Army.
