Counter insurgency: Air Force begins de-induction of troops

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Medical Services Branch has commenced a two-week de-induction programme for Special Forces returning from combat in the Northeast.

Air Forces spokesman, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya in a statement yesterday said the de-induction programme, which is at the instance of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, was the first of its kind in the history of the NAF.

He said it was aimed at ensuring the physical and mental well-being of combatants, before they are reunited with their families and re-integrated into the larger society.

He added that the programme was to ensure that personnel with post-traumatic stress disorder such as anxiety, nightmare and psychological depression were adequately treated.

He said while serving in the Northeast, some of the personnel could have developed physical and mental stresses, as well as direct physical/combat injuries, the effects of which could last for a long period after leaving the combat zone and hence, the need for the programme.