Nineteen officers of the Nigerian military who were wounded during the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents have been successfully treated abroad, the Nigerian Army has said.
During its monthly press briefing in Abuja, Wednesday, the Nigerian Army also said that 1,000 children and dependents of slain army officers have been awarded scholarships.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Sani Usman, said the provision of adequate medical services contributes to the physical and mental capacity of troops in battle.
“To this end, our troops in the theatre of operations in the North East have continued to enjoy adequate medical care,” said Mr. Usman, a Colonel.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Army casualty evacuation procedure starts from the collection point within the unit where casualty receive first aid from their comrades and where necessary casualties are then moved to the Medical Reception Station (MRS) and Divisional Hospitals for further treatment.
“Exceptional cases are however referred and evacuated by air to Reference Hospitals. In case the Reference Hospital cannot manage the injury, such officer/soldier is evacuated abroad where adequate medical treatment will be administered.
“So far, a total of 19 officers and soldiers have been successfully treated abroad. “For effective monitoring of wounded soldiers evacuated to 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna, the COAS has directed the Chief of Administration (Army) to visit the hospital fortnightly in order to ensure adequate medical care/treatment is given to the wounded officers/soldiers on admission.”
Mr. Usman said that the Nigerian Army had commenced payment of scholarship entitlements to children and defendants of all deceased personnel who died in active service.
