Legal and Policy Framework for Tackling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) within the Nigerian Armed Forces

Abstract

In Nigeria, nearly a decade of contending with the debilitating scourge of insurgency and a myriad of emerging security threats has necessitated the deployment of troops to various operations. This in addition to the various peacekeeping missions that members of the armed forces regularly embark upon in the pursuit of world/regional peace makes military personnel and officers of the Nigerian armed forces one of the most susceptible categories of people to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The probable consequence is that a growing number of military personnel or officers of security agencies (both serving and retired) may be presenting for mental health issues like PTSD. Apart from serving members of the military, service members who transition out of the military also often face substantial challenges transiting to civilian life. This paper critically examines the legal and policy framework managing PTSD within the Nigerian armed forces. Gleaning from the cross-country study of two jurisdictions of the United States of America and the United Kingdom, the article concludes that there is a glaring dearth of PTSD management mechanisms within the Nigerian criminal justice system culminating in a total disregard of the ailment specifically in relation to veterans of war and conflict. The paper recommends that the Nigerian criminal justice system accords proper recognition to PTSD particularly in respect of members of the armed forces in line with enumerated international best practices.