Implementing Postdeployment Mental Health Evaluation in the Nigerian Armed Forces: Lessons from Operation Whirl Punch and Whirl Stroke

Abstract Background: Deployment to active conflict zones can subject military personnel to sustained psychological and environmental stressors that may result in substance misuse, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental-health conditions. In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Nigeria, postdeployment psychiatric screening is not institutionalized, limiting early detection and intervention. This study evaluates the outcomes and policy implications of a structured postdeployment mental-health screening program conducted among Nigerian troops returning from Operations Whirl Punch and Whirl Stroke. Methods: A total of 135 returned personnel underwent a two-phase evaluation at the Directorate of Medical Services. Screening instruments included the general health questionnaire-12, the PTSD Checklist-Military Version (PCL-M), the World Health Organization-Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test, and a urine drug toxicology screening test. Individuals screening positive were referred for diagnostic psychiatric assessment and intervention at the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Ojo. Program performance was appraised against the indicators of detection rate, referral uptake, and systemic gaps. Results: The screening identified 23 (17.0%) personnel with illicit substance use, 8 (5.9%) with heavy combat exposure and probable PTSD, and 14 (10.4%) with psychiatric disorders. The exercise exposed structural limitations such as absence of predeployment counseling, inadequate troop-rotation policies, and delayed psychiatric referrals. Nevertheless, it demonstrated that structured screening substantially increased case detection and expedited early management of at-risk service members. Conclusions: Postdeployment mental health evaluation is feasible and effective in identifying undiagnosed psychiatric and substance-use problems among Nigerian troops. Institutionalizing such screening within the Armed Forces will strengthen surveillance, promote resilience, and enhance operational readiness. Policy reforms should emphasize mandatory predeployment counseling, troop rotation every 12–18 months, and integration of psychiatric services into primary military healthcare.