As part of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025, the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has launched a large-scale free medical outreach in Katoge community, Katsina State, aimed at delivering critical healthcare to over 700 residents.
The humanitarian initiative, which kicked off yesterday, is being led by the Commander of the 17 Brigade, Brigadier General Babatunde Omopariola, who described it as a deliberate effort to bridge the healthcare gap in underserved areas.
“This is more than a celebration,” Omopariola said. “It’s about touching lives. We are expecting to serve between 500 and 700 people today alone and by midday, we had already surpassed the 200 mark.”
He noted that Katoge was specifically chosen due to its economic challenges and lack of access to quality healthcare.
“We target communities where the need is greatest,” the commander added.
The outreach, organised through the 17 Brigade Medical Centre, is providing a wide range of free services from malaria testing and treatment to hypertension and diabetes screening.
Dental procedures such as scaling, tooth extractions, and fillings are also being offered.
Children under five are receiving special care for common ailments including malaria, typhoid, and respiratory infections.
The acting commanding officer, Captain Kayinde Olakunle, said that patients with complex conditions are being referred to nearby general and teaching hospitals.
“This isn’t just a one-off treatment. We’re setting up a pathway for continuous care,” he explained.
Brigadier General Omopariola also revealed that beyond the one-day exercise, the brigade’s medical facility would remain open to the Katoge community.
“Residents can walk in at any time for primary healthcare. We may not be here every day, but our doors are open,” he added.
Beyond healthcare, the Army says the outreach is also part of efforts to strengthen civil-military relations.
“We want the people to know that the Army is not separate from them. We live here. We serve here. We care,” the commander emphasised.
Grateful residents described the initiative as a rare opportunity, saying it was the first time in years that such extensive, free medical care had reached their remote community.
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