In a landmark demonstration of its commitment to Civil-Military Relations (CMR), the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in collaboration with Nwagwu’s Health Initiative, has successfully concluded a comprehensive medical outreach in Mbaise and its environs, Imo State. The intervention, which ran through August 2025, delivered a total of 11,231 consultations and 846 life-changing surgeries, while also distributing vital medical aids to persons living with disabilities, thereby reinforcing NAF’s reputation as the People’s Air Force.

Speaking on the initiative, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, emphasized that the initiative was an integral part of the NAF’s Civil-Military Cooperation strategy aimed at winning the hearts and minds of citizens. “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. 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 CAS remarked.

The scope of the intervention was extensive, cutting across specialized fields. Surgeries included 63 thyroidectomies, 118 gynaecological cases, 434 general surgeries, and 331 eye surgeries, while consultations covered 9,054 general cases and 2,177 eye consultations. In addition, more than 1,300 eyeglasses, walking aids, and crutches were distributed to individuals with disabilities, restoring hope and mobility. To further deepen its impact, the programme also conducted health education sessions on preventive care, hygiene, and maternal health, ensuring long-term community benefits beyond the immediate medical support.

Highlighting the significance of the project, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, noted that the programme reflects the CAS’s vision of leveraging Civil-Military Cooperation as a strategic enabler for national development. “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. We are determined to sustain these outreach efforts as a pillar of our engagement with the Nigerian people,” AVM Daramola said.

The Project Coordinator and Facilitator, Air Vice Marshal Uche Nwagwu, commended the synergy between the NAF and local stakeholders which enabled the seamless delivery of services. “This initiative underscores the power of collaboration. We were able to mobilize resources, personnel, and expertise to achieve remarkable outcomes. The smiles we see today are our greatest reward, and we are committed to expanding the reach of future interventions,” he affirmed.

The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in deepening its Civil-Military Relations efforts across the country. With this successful outreach, the Service has once again demonstrated that its medical interventions are not just about healthcare delivery but about strengthening trust, promoting unity, and affirming its identity as a people-centred institution.