By Zagazola Makama
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, on Thursday visited wounded soldiers receiving treatment at the Maimalari Cantonment Medical Centre, Maiduguri, recounting his own experience with battle field injury.
But General Shaibu came to the wounded troops with a strong message – that the Nigerian Army will not abandon troops injured in the line of duty.
Shuaibu’s visit followed growing concerns among injured personnel and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who fear that recent intensified insurgent activities in parts of Borno may signal a renewed wave of attacks.
Addressing the wounded soldiers, the COAS disclosed that he was once admitted to the same hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds while fighting Boko Haram in the North East.
“I was once like you. I was brought to this same hospital when I was wounded in battle. I understand what you are going through,” he said.
Shuaibu assured them of the Army’s commitment to ensuring their full medical recovery and welfare, insisting that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
“I want to assure you of our total support to enable you recuperate fully. Your sacrifices will not be in vain,” he added.
The COAS said the renewed offensive operations being planned by the military would place troops’ safety and welfare at the centre of decision-making, noting that the Army under his leadership would prioritise timely evacuation, improved medical response and adequate compensation for injured personnel.
He also urged them to remain courageous, stressing that their resilience inspires ongoing and future operations.
Some wounded soldiers who spoke expressed relief and said the visit restored confidence that they were not forgotten.
