Army expands South East presence with new 120-bed medical centre

The Nigerian Army has intensified its expansion in the South East with the commencement of a strategic 120-bed medical centre in Ebonyi State, a project aimed at boosting operational support, improving troop welfare and enhancing healthcare services for host communities.

The foundation for the facility was laid on Wednesday by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, alongside the governors of Ebonyi State, Imo State, Abia State, and Enugu State at the Depot, Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the project is part of the army’s efforts to strengthen its operational capacity and sustain security operations across the South East.

The statement revealed that the medical facility would serve as a major healthcare hub for troops, particularly personnel undergoing training at the depot, while providing medical support for ongoing and future military operations in the region.

It added that the centre had also been designed to serve surrounding civilian communities, reflecting the army’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations through improved access to quality healthcare.

The hospital will provide emergency care, surgical services, intensive care, diagnostic laboratories, outpatient, and specialist clinics, as well as dedicated wards for men, women, and children. It will also include a psychiatric unit to manage post-traumatic stress disorder and other operational stress conditions among military personnel.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff and the South East governors described the project as a strategic investment in national security, military readiness, and regional development.

They said the facility would strengthen military healthcare delivery, improve operational support systems, stimulate socio-economic development and reinforce collaboration between the Nigerian Army and host communities.

The army said the project underscores its commitment to expanding its operational capabilities and regional presence while enhancing its capacity to respond to emerging security challenges across the country.