The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in collaboration with Nwagwu’s Health Initiative, has brought relief to thousands of residents in Imo State through a large-scale medical outreach that combined free consultations, surgeries, and the distribution of medical aids.
The exercise, which took place across Mbaise and neighbouring communities throughout August 2025, has been described as one of the most far-reaching medical interventions ever conducted in the region.
Figures released at the end of the programme show that 11,231 consultations were carried out alongside 846 surgeries in multiple fields. Of these, 63 were thyroidectomies, 118 were gynaecological cases, 434 were general surgeries, and 331 were eye-related procedures. In addition, the outreach delivered 9,054 general consultations and 2,177 eye consultations. More than 1,300 eyeglasses, walking aids, and crutches were distributed, providing mobility and vision support to persons living with disabilities.
Putting People First
Speaking on the significance of the outreach, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, described the effort as a practical demonstration of the NAF’s “people-centred philosophy.”
“Beyond our core mandate of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, the Nigerian Air Force is committed to alleviating the suffering of our people, particularly in remote communities,” Abubakar said. “This outreach is a testament to our philosophy of putting people first, while also bridging the gap between the military and the civilian population.”
The initiative, he noted, is not an isolated event but part of an ongoing strategy to strengthen civil-military relations and build trust between the armed forces and the communities they serve.
A Force Beyond Combat
Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, echoed this sentiment, stressing that the outreach reaffirmed the NAF’s role as not just a fighting force but also a humanitarian partner.
“Every cataract restored, every hernia repaired, every life touched here demonstrates that the Nigerian Air Force is more than a fighting force—it is a compassionate partner in nation building,” Daramola stated. “We are determined to sustain these outreach efforts as a pillar of our engagement with the Nigerian people.”
He explained that medical interventions such as this not only provide critical healthcare but also help in dispelling misconceptions about the military’s role in society.
Collaboration at the Core
The project was coordinated by Air Vice Marshal Uche Nwagwu, whose health initiative partnered with NAF to deliver the programme. He emphasized the power of collaboration, pointing out that the success of the outreach hinged on the ability to pool resources and expertise across both military and civilian lines.
“This initiative underscores the importance of synergy. We were able to mobilize medical personnel, secure the needed equipment, and ensure the smooth delivery of care,” Nwagwu said. “The smiles we see on the faces of beneficiaries are our greatest reward, and we are committed to expanding the reach of future interventions.”
Local stakeholders, including community leaders and religious figures, also played a part in mobilizing residents to take advantage of the free services. According to reports, beneficiaries trooped in daily, some travelling from distant parts of Imo State to access care that would otherwise have been financially out of reach.
Human Impact
For many of the patients, the outreach meant the difference between pain and relief, despair and hope. One elderly woman, who received cataract surgery, expressed gratitude, saying she had “regained her vision and independence.” Another beneficiary, a young man fitted with crutches, described the intervention as “a miracle” that restored his ability to move freely.
Residents also noted that the outreach relieved pressure on existing health facilities in the region, which are often overstretched and under-resourced.
A Model for Nationwide Adoption
Observers say the Imo outreach provides a model that could be replicated in other parts of the country, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The combination of consultations, surgeries, and the distribution of medical aids ensured that the intervention addressed both immediate and long-term needs.
With 11,231 consultations and 846 surgeries completed in just one month, the scale of the exercise has been described as unprecedented. Analysts point out that such programmes not only improve health outcomes but also promote unity and enhance public perception of the armed forces.
Sustaining the Momentum
At the close of the exercise, Air Marshal Abubakar assured residents that the Nigerian Air Force will continue to organize similar initiatives across the country. He reaffirmed the service’s determination to sustain its outreach efforts, describing them as a critical part of national development.
“The Nigerian Air Force is not just about planes and battles,” he said. “We are about people—protecting them, serving them, and ensuring they can live healthier and more secure lives.”
With the Imo outreach now concluded, thousands of beneficiaries are returning home with renewed health and hope. For many, it is proof that the military can be both a shield of protection and a source of compassion.
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