The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has provided free medical care to more than 11,000 residents of Mbaise and surrounding communities in Imo State as part of its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) programme.
The outreach, conducted in partnership with Nwagwu’s Health Initiative, featured 11,231 medical consultations, 846 surgeries, and the distribution of over 1,300 eyeglasses, walking aids and crutches to persons with disabilities. The surgeries included 63 thyroidectomies, 118 gynaecological procedures, 434 general surgeries and 331 eye operations, alongside thousands of general and eye consultations.
In addition to treatments, the initiative also offered health education sessions covering hygiene, maternal health and preventive care.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said the medical mission was aimed at easing the health burden of underserved communities while strengthening trust between the military and civilians. He stressed that NAF’s commitment extended beyond defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity to improving lives in remote areas.
“This outreach is a testament to our philosophy of putting people first while bridging the gap between the military and the civilian population,” Abubakar said, pledging that similar interventions would be sustained across the country.
Chief of Civil-Military Relations, AVM Ibikunle Daramola, described the exercise as a strategic tool for national development, noting that “every cataract restored, every hernia repaired, every life touched demonstrates that the NAF is more than a fighting force; it is a compassionate partner in nation-building.”
Project Coordinator, AVM Uche Nwagwu, applauded the collaboration with local stakeholders, adding that the smiles and relief brought to the beneficiaries were the greatest reward.
