NIGERIA IS SAFER NOW THAN FIVE YEARS AGO ~says Chief Of Army Staff
….as he sits out with soldiers wounded in battle in Kaduna

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has declared that, despite the security challenges still facing Nigeria, the country is safer now than five years ago.

The Chief of Army Staff said this on Sunday in Kaduna State, when he had a sit-out with soldiers, who were injured in the line of duty, fighting to secure the country.

Buratai was accompanied by several top military officers to visit the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.

“You have worked hard to keep yourselves in a position that your sacrifice is something that you should be proud of. I am proud also and happy that you have chosen the right profession.

“I am very happy to see you, haven’t met some of you in the field, you were determined to pay the supreme prize. This is the true spirit of a gallant soldier and a patriot.

“I am proud you have made the impact that some of our colleagues and Nigerians are safe.

“I am happy that we are living in peace than we had five years ago.

“Some of you are still expecting your follow up treatment abroad. I understand you also need recreational facilities here, some are also needing promotion, it has been taken note of and will be addressed.

“We will continue to send our officers to see how we can get you Rehabilitated through skills acquisition programme so that when you recuperate, you can go back on the field.

“Let me assure you that the fight against insurgency is a Collective effort and this can be achieved through our determination and teachings we have been taught and applying them on the field.

“The issue of some of your allowances have been brought to my notice by the CMD, we will see how it can be offset.

“We must develop these facilities here, those equipment we don’t have we will get so you don’t need to get surgery elsewhere.

“This is one of the hospitals we have upgraded, we have done same in Yaba and elsewhere. We are also constructing Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Maiduguri and also, we have one in Abakiliki.

“I am well encouraged by the remarks by the Warrant Officer and Major, it is very encouraging to see you in high spirits. When you go back, we will ensure you have brand new Equipment. Though we hope before you go back, the insurgents would have been defeated so you don’t need to go back.

“We will continue to ensure the barracks are conducive for your families,” he assured.

Responding, one of the wounded soldiers, Warrant Officer Yayaya Isyaku of Nigerian Army Artillery Corps, said he was delighted to see the COAS and have him serve them dinner.

“We here in 44 Army Hospital are happy with everything here. The nurses and doctors are taking good care of us. The CMD is doing a motherly job here, she is taking care of us.,” he said.

I am ready to go back to the mission area to fight and attack Boko Haram. The COAS took me to India to get posthetic leg, I got an oversized and could not use it as soon as I get the right size, I am ready to go back to the battle field.

“We appreciate you sir, we are very grateful.”

Also speaking, Major D.M. Dede said it is a rare privilege to see this day.

“Sir you went to the field and served us meal there, we thought that was the end but you still followed us here and served us meal. When we get well, we want to go back and continue to fight the terrorists. We pray God keeps you to accomplish your vision,” he said.

Acting Chief Medical Director 44 Army Hospital, Colonel E.O. Aburime in her remarks, said that they were excited that the COAS visited them at the hospital.

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