The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has underscored the importance of stronger civil-military relations in advancing national development, saying security and sustainable development are inseparable.
Shaibu made the remarks on Sunday during a medical outreach in Okrika, Rivers State, organised as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
Represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Mustapha, the Army Chief said the outreach reflected the military’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of Nigerians while strengthening its relationship with host communities.
“The Nigerian Army Day Celebration provides us with an opportunity not only to commemorate the gallantry, sacrifices and achievements of our officers and soldiers in the defence of our nation, but also to strengthen our bond with the communities we serve.
“This medical outreach is a demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the health, well-being and prosperity of the Nigerian people,” he said.
Shaibu noted that a healthy population is essential for national growth and enduring peace, stressing that the military’s role extends beyond combating insecurity to supporting humanitarian and community development initiatives.
“The Nigerian Army recognizes that security and development are closely linked. A healthy population is fundamental to national development and enduring peace.
“While our troops continue to confront insecurity across various theatres of operation, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities, we remain committed to supporting civil authorities through humanitarian and community-oriented programmes such as this,” he said.
According to him, the outreach provided free medical consultations, laboratory investigations, treatment, health education and referral services to residents of the Okrika community.
The COAS expressed confidence that the programme would not only address immediate health concerns but also promote healthier lifestyles and greater awareness of disease prevention.
He commended the Okrika Local Government Area for its cooperation and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to promote peace, security and development.
Shaibu also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to enhance efforts to combat crime and safeguard communities.
“As we commemorate this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration, let us renew our collective resolve to build a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria. Together, we can overcome our security challenges and create an environment where every citizen can thrive,” he said.
Earlier, the Commander, Corps of Medical, Brig.-Gen. Innocent Enwuchola, said the Nigerian Army remains committed to supporting citizens’ health through civil-military cooperation programmes in addition to its constitutional responsibility of defending the country’s territorial integrity.
“Today’s programme underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to bringing quality healthcare closer to the people through this outreach, with benefits including free medical consultations, dental services, eye examinations, free drugs and health education, among other services,” he said.
Enwuchola added that the Army recognises good health as a critical driver of productivity, community development and national progress.
“It is for this reason the Nigerian Army continues to deploy its professional experts to complement existing healthcare services across the country,” he said.
