NAF Extends Medical Outreach to Taraba, Zamfara

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has extended its humanitarian services to parts of Taraba and Zamfara States, as part of efforts aimed at boosting civil-military relations and winning the hearts and minds of locals in conflict areas.

The medical outreach to Taraba State was held between 5 and 7 June 2018 at Nguroje and Gembu in Sardauna Local Government Area of the State.

The outreach, which witnessed a huge turnout of residents, was in two phases, with the first two days held at Nguroje Model Comprehensive Health Centre, where NAF medical personnel attended to the healthcare needs of locals. The third and final day of the outreach, which was held at the Baptist Hospital located in Gembu, was devoted to carrying out surgeries on patients.

 During the 3-day medical outreach, a total of 1,375 patients were attended to while 10 general surgeries and 27 eye surgeries were carried out on patients. Furthermore, 100 eyeglasses, 150 treated mosquito nets and other assorted drugs were given out to patients in addition to the conduct of mass deworming.

In a related development, the NAF had earlier conducted a similar medical outreach at Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, as part of steps being taken by the current NAF leadership to promote civil-military relationship. During the 3-day medical outreach at Zurmi, from 15 to 17 May 2018, a total number of 1,635 patients were treated of various ailments.

 Besides, NAF surgeons conducted a total of 20 general surgeries as well as 12 eye surgeries, free of charge, on members of the community at the Zurmi General Hospital. Additionally, 100 eyeglasses were given out to patients while 150 treated mosquito nets were distributed to different families.

It is worth recalling that the NAF recently established quick response groups and wings in different parts of the country to bring security closer to those in remote places, in particular. One of the latest of such establishments is the 23 Quick Response Wing in Nguroje, Taraba State, to which NAF Special Forces were deployed on 12 May 2018.

OLATOKUNBO ADESANYA

Air Vice Marshal

Director of Public Relations and Information

Nigerian Air Force