The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has assessed troops’ combat readiness, operational effectiveness and welfare at the Nkwagu Military Cantonment, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, reinforcing the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening security in the South-East.

Shaibu said the evaluation was in line with his vision of building a highly professional, adaptive and resilient force capable of addressing contemporary security challenges within a joint and multi-agency framework.

The army chief, who visited the cantonment on Thursday, commended officers and soldiers for their dedication, discipline and unwavering commitment to duty.

He urged them to remain vigilant, uphold the Constitution and maintain the highest standards of professionalism and respect for human rights, while sustaining pressure on all threats to peace and stability in the region.

The COAS also inspected critical operational and welfare facilities, including the Military Hospital and troops’ accommodation, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s resolve to prioritise personnel welfare, healthcare and infrastructure as key drivers of operational efficiency and mission success.

Earlier, he was briefed on ongoing operations, achievements and administrative requirements and expressed satisfaction with the progress being made.

Shaibu encouraged continued synergy with sister services, other security agencies and host communities to further consolidate peace, enhance stability and promote lasting security across Ebonyi State and the wider South-East.

On Wednesday, the COAS, alongside four South-East Governors – Ebonyi, Abia, Imo and Enugu laid the foundation for a strategic 120-bed Army Medical Centre at Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State.

The groundbreaking ceremony signal 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 medical facility is designed as a critical support hub to provide comprehensive healthcare for troops, particularly personnel undergoing training at the Depot. It will also 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.

The centre will provide quality healthcare services to surrounding civilian populations, further deepening civil-military relations and contributing to improved public health outcomes.

It 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, the facility 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.