The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to providing an efficient and responsive healthcare system, describing it as critical to sustaining military operations and preserving troops’ combat effectiveness.
The COAS made the remarks in Kaduna while commissioning the newly completed Waidi Shaibu Critical Care Centre at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital (44 NARH). He also commissioned a modern helipad designed to facilitate the swift medical evacuation of injured personnel from operational theatres to the hospital.
Speaking at the event, Lieutenant General Shaibu said timely access to quality medical care directly impacts troop morale, recovery rates and the overall operational readiness of the Nigerian Army.
“The strength of any fighting force is not measured by weapons alone, but also by the quality of care given to those who bear the burden of national security,” he said.
He explained that the Critical Care Centre is equipped to manage trauma, intensive care and other complex medical cases, reducing the need to refer critically injured or ill personnel outside military medical facilities. He added that the Nigerian Army remains committed to upgrading medical infrastructure across its formations and units to meet contemporary operational and healthcare demands.
The COAS also commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, under whose leadership the helipad was constructed during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff. He described the facility as a critical enabler that would significantly reduce casualty evacuation time from operational theatres and enhance survivors’ chances of recovery.
Lieutenant General Shaibu charged medical personnel at 44 NARH to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and to ensure the optimal use and maintenance of the newly commissioned facilities.
