NADCEL 2026: Your injuries are ‘badges’ of honour, COAS tells wounded troops

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has declared that injuries sustained by soldiers in the line of duty are “badges of honour” earned in the defence of Nigeria.

He shared this message on Monday during a luncheon hosted for Wounded-in-Action (WIA) troops at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.

The event was organized as part of the activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

The COAS emphasised that battlefield injuries are not symbols of defeat, but visible testaments to selfless service, resilience, and patriotism.

He, however, assured them that the Nigerian Army remained committed to their welfare, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Major General Abubakar Wase, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, 1 Division Headquarters, Brig. -Gen. Timothy Opurum, the COAS also said that the sacrifices of wounded personnel would never be forgotten.

He recalled his personal experience of being wounded during operation Opurum, revealing that he spent about three months receiving treatment and rehabilitation at the same hospital.

According to him, the experience gave him a deeper appreciation of the pain, resilience and determination required for recovery as well as 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.

“They testify to courage, sacrifice, resilience and the indomitable spirit that characterises the Nigerian soldier.

“Your injuries are not symbols of defeat; they are badges of honour earned in the defence of Nigeria through courage and selfless service.”

The army chief assured the wounded personnel that the Nigerian army would continue to prioritise improved medical care, rehabilitation services, mental health support, prosthetic services, family welfare and other initiatives aimed at helping them live productive and fulfilling lives.

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 the injured soldiers.

Shu’aibu further expressed appreciation to the families of wounded personnel for their patience, sacrifices and unwavering support throughout the recovery process.

Earlier, the acting commander of the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Brig. -Gen. Godwin Ogoh, said that the hospital had continued to strengthen its capacity to provide medical care to wounded soldiers.

Ogoh said the hospital had significantly improved emergency response, advanced surgical interventions and multidisciplinary specialist care for combat-related injuries.

According to him, the facility now performs complex orthopaedic, spinal, reconstructive, ophthalmic and other specialised surgeries, while collaborating with partner medical institutions across the country to improve treatment outcomes.

He added that the hospital’s rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, prosthetic support, psychological care and functional rehabilitation, remained among the best available.

He also highlighted the hospital’s advanced radiological services, which provided accurate diagnostic support comparable to leading medical centres.

He commended the COAS for initiating the construction and equipping of a modern critical care complex at the hospital, describing the project as a major investment in the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel.

According to him, the facility will significantly enhance the hospital’s capacity to manage critically injured soldiers requiring intensive and life-saving care.

The commander reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to delivering compassionate, timely and professional healthcare to wounded personnel, while urging Nigerians to continue honouring the sacrifices of troops defending the country’s peace and territorial integrity.