Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and leading medical experts have sounded the alarm over escalating mental health crises among Nigeria's security personnel, citing job-related pressures as a critical threat to national stability.

The warning was issued during a landmark conference in Ilorin on Thursday, organised by the Peace Progress and Unity Global Initiative (PPUGI) under the theme "Breaking the Silence: Mental Health Support for Our Protectors." Governor AbdulRazaq stressed: "Our security forces bear invisible wounds. Ignoring their mental wellbeing compromises both their safety and public security."

Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Dr Ahmed Bola Abdulquadri, reinforced the urgency: "Security operatives face extreme psychological stress from daily exposure to violence and trauma. Without intervention, burnout, depression, and operational failures will escalate."

The event, attended by military, police, and paramilitary leaders, called for mandatory mental health screenings, trauma counselling, and policy reforms to destigmatise seeking help a first step toward safeguarding those who protect Nigeria.

"Mental health has become like an epidemic among security personnel," he said adding that "This is what sometimes leads to accidental discharge or the shooting of colleagues".

Dr Abdulquadri cited global statistics indicating that up to 250 million people will become depressed this year, with women being more than twice as likely to be affected.

"Unfortunately, less than 25 percent of them have access to quality mental health care," he added.

He stressed the need for supportive policies, stigma-free access to mental health services, and a system that encourages security agents to seek help without fear.

"Encouraging help-seeking behaviour and protecting the rights of personnel is better than relying solely on resilience. A proactive approach will lead to a healthier and more effective security force," he said.

He also recommended work-life balance strategies such as job prioritisation, frequent breaks, physical exercise, social interaction, adequate sleep, and fighting stigma.

Also speaking, Prof Abdallah Yusuf, the UITH CMD, represented by the Head of Medical Psychology Therapy, Dr Tajudeen Abiola, called for increased government funding to improve both the physical and mental well-being of security personnel.

He urged the establishment of counseling centres backed by solid research and data.

"Such centres will go a long way to enhance mental health access for security agents. The personnel also need to take care of one another," he said.

Governor AbdulRazaq, represented by his Counselor and Advisor, Saad Salau, described mental health as a critical issue affecting everyone, especially security personnel.

"Mental health for personnel is a security concern. It can affect their performance, relationships, and overall well-being," he noted.

"Untreated issues can lead to reduced productivity, more mistakes, and strained relationships," he added.

Kwara State Commissioner for Social Development, Dr Nafatimah Imam, highlighted the intersection between social development and mental well-being.

"This gathering sheds light on the growing importance of social development in promoting mental health within the community, workplace, family, and economy," she said.