The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shu’aibu, has described soldiers wounded on the battlefield as heroes whose injuries are badges of honor, earned through courage, sacrifice and unwavering service to Nigeria.
He also reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare, rehabilitation and reintegration of personnel injured in the line of duty, assuring them that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
Shu’aibu gave the assurance on Monday at a luncheon organized for Wounded-in-Action (WIA) soldiers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
Represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, who was in turn represented by the Chief of Staff, 1 Division Headquarters, Brig.-Gen. Timothy Opurum, the Army chief said every wound sustained in defense of the nation symbolizes exceptional bravery rather than defeat.
Drawing from personal experience, Shu’aibu recalled being wounded during military operations in the North-East and spending nearly three months receiving treatment and rehabilitation at the same hospital.
According to him, the ordeal deepened his appreciation of the physical and emotional toll of combat injuries, as well as the resilience required for recovery and the dedication of military medical personnel.
“Standing before you today as the Chief of Army Staff is a reminder that wounds sustained in the service of our nation do not define the end of a soldier’s journey,” he said.
“They testify to courage, sacrifice, resilience and the indomitable spirit that characterizes the Nigerian soldier.
“Your injuries are not symbols of defeat; they are badges of honor earned in the defense of Nigeria through courage and selfless service.”
The COAS pledged sustained investment in improved medical care, rehabilitation programs, mental health services, prosthetic support, and family welfare initiatives to ensure wounded personnel live productive and fulfilling lives after active service.
He also commended the Commander, officers, and personnel of the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital for their professionalism and dedication in providing quality healthcare to injured soldiers, and expressed gratitude to the families of wounded troops for their patience, sacrifice, and unwavering support throughout the recovery process.
Earlier, the Acting Commander of the hospital, Brig.-Gen. Godwin Ogoh, said the facility had significantly expanded its capacity to provide world-class treatment for combat casualties through enhanced emergency response, advanced surgical procedures and multidisciplinary specialist care.
He said the hospital now performs complex orthopedic, spinal, reconstructive and ophthalmic surgeries, while collaborating with partner medical institutions nationwide to improve treatment outcomes.
Ogoh added that the hospital’s rehabilitation services—including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, prosthetic support, psychological care and functional rehabilitation—remain among the best available, backed by advanced radiological services comparable to those of leading medical centers.
He further praised the Army chief for initiating the construction and equipping of a modern Critical Care Complex, describing the project as a landmark investment that will significantly strengthen the hospital’s capacity to provide intensive, life-saving care for critically injured soldiers.
Reaffirming the hospital’s commitment to compassionate, timely and professional healthcare, Ogoh urged Nigerians to continue recognizing and supporting the sacrifices of troops working to safeguard the nation’s peace, security and territorial integrity.
