By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, commissioned a new helipad at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital (44 NARH), Kaduna, to enhance the emergency air evacuation of wounded soldiers from operational theatres.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, on 25 August 2026.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the facility as a strategic intervention aimed at reducing casualty evacuation time and improving survival rates. He noted that rapid medical evacuation remains critical to saving lives, enhancing recovery and sustaining troop morale during ongoing operations.
“The ability to move our wounded personnel from the frontlines to definitive medical care within the shortest possible time is non-negotiable. This helipad bridges that gap,” the COAS averred.
The helipad was initiated under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff. Lieutenant General Shaibu commended General Oluyede for his foresight and commitment to troop welfare, describing the project as a lasting contribution to military healthcare delivery and operational effectiveness.
The COAS directed the medical and aviation units to ensure round-the-clock operational readiness and proper maintenance of the facility to guarantee its effective utilisation whenever required.
