By Reportcircle Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has brought hope and healing to communities in Imo State, offering free medical care to more than 11,000 residents and conducting 846 life-changing surgeries during a month-long outreach in Mbaise and surrounding areas.
The exercise, carried out in collaboration with Nwagwu’s Health Initiative, provided 11,231 consultations, ranging from general to eye cases, and performed hundreds of critical surgical procedures, including thyroidectomies, gynaecological operations, hernia repairs, and cataract removals.
In addition, more than 1,300 eyeglasses, walking aids, and crutches were distributed to persons living with disabilities.
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, described the programme as a pillar of the NAF’s Civil-Military Cooperation strategy, which seeks to “win hearts and minds” and strengthen trust between the military and civilians.
“Beyond defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, the Nigerian Air Force is committed to alleviating the suffering of our people, particularly in underserved communities,” the CAS said. “This outreach demonstrates our philosophy of putting people first while bridging the gap between the military and the civilian population.”
The initiative also featured preventive health education on hygiene, maternal health, and disease prevention to ensure long-term impact beyond the immediate medical care.
In his address, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, Chief of Civil-Military Relations, underscored the wider significance of the programme.
“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,” he said.
Project Coordinator, AVM Uche Nwagwu, commended the synergy between NAF and local stakeholders that enabled the delivery of the massive outreach.
“The smiles we see today are our greatest reward,” he noted, pledging to expand future interventions.
With this successful exercise, the Nigerian Air Force has reaffirmed its reputation as the “People’s Air Force,” using medical intervention not only to restore health but also to promote unity, trust, and national cohesion.
