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Foundation Calls for Integration of Mental Health Services into Primary Health CareMichael Olugbode in Abuja
Foundation Calls for Integration of Mental Health Services into Primary Health Care
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
The Founder of the Mental Health Ditty Foundation, Dr. Adedotun Esan has called for the integration of mental health services into the nation’s primary healthcare.
Esan who made the call during the foundation’s inaugural symposium, emphasized the need to provide tailored mental health support for women, men, and children to cope with daily life challenges and manage emotions.
Speaking at the symposium themed: “Achieving Social Inclusion through Community Kindness,” Esan, who revealed that she had battled mental health issues, stated that: “I can relate to anyone going through such circumstances and provide the necessary help. If not, individuals can be referred to appropriate places to receive adequate help.”
Esan stressed the importance of government involvement and public awareness in mental health issues, while applauding the recent enactment of a Mental Health Act, signed by the former president, as a significant step in the right direction.
She noted that this was becoming a priority for the government, and it is hoped that the momentum continues.
Esan also urged the government to decriminalize suicide attempts in Nigeria, advocating for a more compassionate approach to individuals in distress.
She added that: “Let us give them help and not put them behind bars because that will cause more problems for them.”
Addressing the barriers faced by those suffering from mental health issues, Dr. Oyelohunnu Motunrayo, a psychiatric consultant and panelist, highlighted biases at individual and family levels, societal practices, and government policies as major obstacles. She emphasized the importance of empathy, acceptance, and inclusivity in addressing these challenges.
With World Mental Health Day approaching on October 10th, Dr. Esan called for the inclusion of diverse voices in shaping mental health policies, recognizing Nigeria’s existing policies and the need for effective implementation to improve people’s lives.
Foundation Calls for Integration of Mental Health Services into Primary Health Care
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
News
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
By: Zagazola Makama
The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, says the Nigerian military has significantly enhanced operational mobility and surveillance capacity in the North-East through the repair of battle-damaged equipment and deployment of modern combat enablers.
Martins stated this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Damaturu while outlining operational and non-kinetic achievements recorded by the sector.
He said the sector successfully overhauled and repaired 30 battle-damaged and burnt armoured and tactical vehicles previously considered beyond economic repair.
According to him, the refurbishment programme has improved operational lift capability and increased firepower available to troops operating across the sector.
The commander said the initiative was part of efforts to sustain combat operations without waiting for prolonged procurement processes for new platforms.
He explained that the sector also procured critical operational equipment within available resources to improve troop effectiveness and communication.
The items, he said, included Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), surveillance cameras, tactical drones, Starlink communication systems, radios, repeaters, floodlights and inverters.
Martins noted that the equipment had enhanced surveillance capability, troop coordination and operational response within difficult terrains across the Area of Responsibility.
He added that troops also sustained Counter-IED and shoulder-clearance operations along major highways, particularly the Maiduguri-Damboa and Biu-Damboa routes, to improve troop mobility and reduce ambushes and roadside bomb attacks.
On non-kinetic operations, the commander said the sector intensified stakeholder engagements with community leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups and religious leaders to strengthen civil-military relations and improve intelligence sharing.
He said troops also provided armed escorts for commuters and humanitarian organisations along vulnerable corridors, including the Maiduguri-Damboa, Damaturu-Maiduguri and Biu-Damboa roads.
According to him, Sector 2 conducted regular farm patrols to protect farmers during cultivation activities and supported reconciliation efforts between farmers and herders in flashpoint communities.
Martins said the sector further collaborated with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), NGOs and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on humanitarian support, sensitisation campaigns and training on international humanitarian law.
He also commended vigilantes and Hybrid Forces for their contributions to intelligence gathering and deep insertion operations within difficult terrains.
The commander assured that troops would continue to sustain offensive operations and strengthen collaboration with communities to consolidate gains recorded in the fight against insurgency.
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
News
Troops Respond to Malicious Farm Destruction in Plateau Community by Fulani Herders
Troops Respond to Malicious Farm Destruction in Plateau Community by Fulani Herders
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have responded to a reported case of malicious destruction of farmland in Rigochongo village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the troops were deployed at about 1730 hours on May 11 following reports of destruction of a cultivated farm in the community.

Upon arrival at the scene, the troops observed that the farmland had been cut down, allegedly by suspected herders who had fled before security forces reached the area.
The incident is part of recurring farmer–herder tensions reported in parts of Plateau State, which have continued to prompt security interventions by deployed troops.
Military authorities said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the destruction.

Troops have also intensified patrols and surveillance operations in surrounding communities to prevent further incidents and maintain stability in the area.
Operation Enduring Peace reiterated its commitment to safeguarding farmlands, protecting rural livelihoods, and supporting peaceful coexistence among communities within its area of responsibility.
Troops Respond to Malicious Farm Destruction in Plateau Community by Fulani Herders
News
Troops Raid Terrorist Enclaves in Katsina, Criminals Flee Before Contact
Troops Raid Terrorist Enclaves in Katsina, Criminals Flee Before Contact
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade, in collaboration with local vigilantes, have conducted coordinated offensive operations on suspected terrorist enclaves across parts of Katsina State, forcing criminals to flee before troops’ arrival.
Security sources told Zagazola that the operation took place at about 0800 hours on May 10, 2026, targeting Kafin-Soli, Karaduwa, Maraban Musawa and Jikamshi villages in Kankia, Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of the state.
The sources said the clearance operation was part of ongoing efforts to dislodge criminal elements and deny them freedom of action within rural communities.
According to the sources, troops and vigilantes moved simultaneously into the identified locations but met no resistance as the suspected terrorists had fled prior to their arrival.
Military authorities said follow-up exploitation of the general area was ongoing to ensure the criminals do not regroup or return to the affected communities.
They added that troops will continue intelligence-led patrols and offensive operations across vulnerable areas in Katsina State to sustain pressure on criminal networks and restore normalcy.
Troops Raid Terrorist Enclaves in Katsina, Criminals Flee Before Contact
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