The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, rehabilitation, and reintegration of wounded-in-action personnel, assuring them that their sacrifices in defence of the nation will never be forgotten.
The assurance was conveyed during the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) Luncheon held on Monday, July 6, 2026, in honour of wounded soldiers receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital (44 NARHK), Kaduna.
Represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Abubakar Sadique Muhammad Wase, who was further represented by the Chief of Staff, 1 Division, Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, the COAS delivered an emotional message of hope and resilience to the recovering soldiers.
Drawing from his personal experience, Lieutenant General Shaibu recalled being treated and rehabilitated at the same hospital after sustaining injuries during operations in Nigeria’s North-East. He described his connection with the facility as deeply personal, recounting the challenges of recovery while commending the professionalism, compassion, and dedication of the hospital’s medical personnel.
The Army Chief encouraged the wounded soldiers to remain optimistic, stressing that their injuries should be regarded not as symbols of defeat but as badges of honour earned in the service of protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also expressed profound appreciation to their families for their unwavering support, patience, and sacrifices throughout the recovery process.
Earlier, the Acting Chief Medical Director of the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Brigadier General Godwin Ogoh, described the luncheon as a fitting tribute to the courage, resilience, and selfless service of the wounded personnel. He reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to providing timely, comprehensive, and world-class healthcare to serving soldiers.
Brigadier General Ogoh further disclosed that the ongoing construction and equipping of a state-of-the-art Critical Care Complex would significantly enhance the hospital’s capacity to deliver advanced trauma care, specialist surgical services, and improved diagnostic support for critically injured personnel.
In his vote of thanks, the Chief Clinician of the hospital, Brigadier General I.N. Ijomanta, said the gathering celebrated sacrifice, resilience, compassion, and hope. He expressed satisfaction at the morale displayed by the wounded soldiers and assured them of the hospital’s continued dedication to their complete recovery and well-being.
The event attracted senior military officers, members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), represented by Mrs. Queen Chinyere Opurum on behalf of the Chairperson of the NAOWA 1 Division Chapter, medical personnel, wounded soldiers, and their family members.
The celebration featured colourful cultural performances, refreshments, and a group photograph, underscoring the Nigerian Army’s enduring commitment to honouring personnel who have paid a heavy price in the service of the nation.
