The Nigerian Army has extended its free medical outreach to Erin-Ile in Oyun local government area of Kwara state, as part of its week-long activities to foster civil-military cooperation. The outreach, which began on September 22, 2026, aims to provide medical services to communities in the state. A team comprising personnel from the Army National Headquarters, Abuja, and the 22 Armoured Brigade in Kwara, has been providing free medical services to residents.
The medical outreach has so far benefited over 1,000 persons since its inception. In Oke-Ode, one of the communities worst hit by bandit activities, over 400 persons received free medical services. Similarly, in Omu-Aran, more than 300 residents benefited from the outreach. The services provided include free consultations, laboratory investigations, and medication. School children from the ages of 10 downward were de-wormed, while pregnant women received free mosquito insecticide-treated nets and drugs.
The outreach also catered to the elderly, providing free dental care and other medical services. The team offered counselling and medical education to patients, aiming to build trust and confidence between the military and the civilian population. The Nigerian Army's free medical outreach is one of its non-kinetic activities aimed at tackling insecurity and promoting civil-military relationships.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Waheed Shuaibu, represented by Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, emphasized the importance of the outreach in promoting civil-military relationships. He urged the benefiting communities to provide useful information to the various army formations to curb bandit activities and other criminal elements. The COAS also commended the communities for turning out in large numbers to access the free services.
The Acting Director, Information Management, Army Headquarters, Major Ojo Adenegan, encouraged the people of the benefiting communities to take advantage of the medical outreach to reduce their medical expenses. He emphasized the need for mutual trust and confidence between the military and the civilian population. The outreach is part of the army's efforts to bring medical services closer to the people.
The Nigerian Army's free medical outreach in Kwara state is a significant effort to promote civil-military cooperation and provide medical services to communities in need. The outreach has covered several communities, including Oke-Ode, Omu-Aran, and Erin-Ile. The army's initiative aims to build trust and confidence between the military and the civilian population.
The free medical outreach will continue to provide essential medical services to communities in Kwara state, promoting healthy living and reducing medical expenses. The Nigerian Army's effort to bring medical services closer to the people has been well-received by the communities, who have turned out in large numbers to access the free services. The outreach is expected to have a positive impact on the health and well-being of the communities.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army's free medical outreach in Kwara state has benefited over 1,000 persons since its inception on September 22, 2026.
- The outreach aims to promote civil-military cooperation and provide medical services to communities in need.
- The Nigerian Army has provided a range of medical services, including free consultations, laboratory investigations, and medication.
