By ZAKAA LAZARUS
In a major step toward strengthening operational capacity and regional presence, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, alongside the Governors of Ebonyi, Imo, Abia and Enugu States, has laid the foundation for a strategic 120-bed Army Medical Centre at Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, signals a deliberate expansion of the Nigerian Army’s force support infrastructure, reinforcing its readiness to sustain operations and enhance security across the South-East geopolitical zone.
The proposed medical facility is designed as a critical support hub to provide comprehensive healthcare for troops, particularly personnel undergoing training at the Depot. Beyond this, it will significantly boost medical support for ongoing and future operations in the region strengthening the Army’s ability to maintain a fit, resilient and combat-ready force.
In line with its people-centred approach, the Nigerian Army has also integrated community access into the project. Strategically located outside the Depot, the centre will provide quality healthcare services to surrounding civilian populations, further deepening civil-military relations and contributing to improved public health outcomes.
The modern facility will feature a wide range of specialised services, including emergency care, surgical theatres, intensive care units, diagnostic laboratories, outpatient and specialist clinics, as well as dedicated wards for men, women and children. Notably, it will also include a psychiatric unit to address Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other operational stress conditions reflecting the Army’s growing focus on the total well-being of its personnel.
Speaking at the event, the COAS and the South-East governors described the project as a strategic investment that goes beyond infrastructure. They emphasised that it represents a forward-looking commitment to strengthening national security, expanding the Army’s operational support systems and fostering regional stability through collaboration.
They further noted that the initiative will not only enhance military healthcare delivery but also drive socio-economic development, improve access to quality medical services and reinforce the bond between the Nigerian Army and host communities.
The project stands as a clear demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing expansion both in capability and presence, positioning it to more effectively respond to emerging security challenges while supporting national development and regional peace.
