Army takes free healthcare to Edo community, treats over 3,000 residents

Benin: The 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army on Saturday, provided free medical services to more than 3,000 residents of Amufi and neighbouring communities in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo.

The medical outreach was part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

The medical service offered beneficiaries free medical consultations, eye screening, dental care, essential drugs, health education and laboratory tests, including malaria parasite, hepatitis B and C, retroviral screening, sugar test and blood pressure among others.

Speaking at the event, the Commander of the 4 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, said the outreach demonstrated the army’s commitment to improving the well-being of Nigerians beyond its constitutional responsibility of defending the nation’s territorial integrity.

“Today’s medical outreach is part of activities marking the 163rd anniversary of the Nigerian army.

“It provides us with an opportunity to strengthen the enduring bond between the army and communities we are sworn to protect,” he said.

Balogun said the programme reflected the army’s resolve to take quality healthcare to the grassroots through civil-military cooperation initiatives.

According to him, the 2026 NADCEL theme, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” highlighted the army’s commitment to safety, prosperity and trust of Nigerians.

“As I speak today, our troops remain actively engaged in combating terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities threatening the peace and stability of our nation.

“Despite these challenges, the Nigerian army has remained resolute and continues to record notable achievements across various theatres of operation,” he said.

Balogun said the choice of Amufi community for the outreach was informed by its support and cooperation with the army.

“The community was chosen because of the collaboration we have enjoyed with them in the course of our operations.

“The Chief of Army Staff directed that communities supporting the army should also share in the joy of our celebration.

“This outreach is one way of appreciating that support,” he said.

The brigade commander added that although the outreach formed part of the 163rd Nigerian Army Day celebration, free medical missions would continue in other communities as part of the army’s non-kinetic operations.

“The medical outreach is continuous because it is one of our key civil-military cooperation activities. From time to time, we will take these services to communities.

“We want Nigerians to know that the army is not only about kinetic operations. We also care about their health and total well-being,” he added.

Earlier, the Acting Commanding Officer of the 4 Brigade Medical Centre, Maj. Ademola Sule, said the outreach demonstrated the army’s unwavering commitment to taking quality healthcare to underserved communities.

He said beneficiaries received comprehensive medical services, including professional consultations, dental care, eye examinations, distribution of essential medicines and health education.

“We firmly believe that good health is the bedrock of human productivity, community development and national progress,” Sule said.

Also speaking, the traditional head (Ohen) of Amufi community, Mr Iyi-Ewuare Asenogua, thanked the Nigerian army for bringing the free medical services to the area.

“We are happy to receive you today. We appreciate you for coming to give our people treatment. God bless you,” he said.

Similarly, Chairman of the Ikpoba Hill Youth Forum, Mr Kingsley Osemwingie, described the outreach as a demonstration of the army’s concern for the welfare of the people.

“Some people are sick and cannot afford medical check-ups or drugs. This initiative has given them access to free healthcare.

“We commend the brigade commander and pray that God will continue to strengthen the Nigerian army in securing the nation,” he said.