As the world observes Suicide Prevention Month, Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF) organized a dedicated Zero Male Suicide programme for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces on the 30th September, 2026, highlighting the urgent need for stronger suicide prevention and mental health support for men in Nigeria.
The programme was facilitated by Halima Layeni, Founder and Executive Director of LAAF. It provided a platform for meaningful conversations about men’s mental health, suicide prevention, emotional wellbeing and the circumstances that can place men at risk of suicide.
Suicide among men is complex and can be influenced by depression, financial and workplace pressures, relationship and family breakdown, loss and grief, male domestic violence and abuse, separation from children, unresolved trauma, social isolation, emotional suppression, stigma around seeking help, and the pressure to provide, protect and remain strong.
These challenges can be particularly difficult for members of the Armed Forces because personal, family and financial pressures may occur alongside the demanding realities of military service.
Personnel may experience operational pressures, exposure to traumatic events, injury, bereavement, demanding deployments, prolonged separation from loved ones and the responsibility of protecting others.
The culture of strength and resilience associated with military service can also make it difficult for some men to openly acknowledge distress or seek help.
Creating safe environments where personnel can speak openly, be heard without judgment and access appropriate professional support is essential to early intervention and suicide prevention.
In Nigeria, World Health Organization estimates for 2021 recorded 9,254 suicide deaths among males compared with 1,658 among females. The estimated age standardized suicide mortality rate was 15.1 per 100,000 males compared with 2.9 per 100,000 females. These are estimates and should be considered alongside limitations in suicide reporting and registration.
LAAF calls for greater investment in early intervention, accessible mental health services, suicide prevention education, professional counselling, reliable sex disaggregated suicide data and support systems that men can access without shame or judgment.
The Foundation also calls for stronger pathways for male victims of domestic violence and abuse to access mental health, legal and protection services.
LAAF expresses its deepest appreciation to Brigadier General Olubunmi Aburime for her warm reception, generous support and for providing the opportunity to engage with members of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The Foundation also expresses its profound appreciation to the Nigerian Army College of Medical Sciences (NAMCOS) for its support and partnership in making the programme possible.
Special appreciation goes to Yinka Olonode, LAAF Advisory Board Member, for facilitating the implementation of the programme, and to the dedicated LAAF volunteers and partners for their commitment and service.
Zero Male Suicide is a call to see men, hear men and support men before their pain becomes fatal.
Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF) is a nonprofit organisation advancing the mental health, protection and wellbeing of boys and men affected by abuse and trauma.
