The Nigerian Army has taken a significant step toward strengthening its operational presence in the South-East with the commencement of a 120-bed Army Medical Centre at Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State.
The foundation-laying ceremony, held on Wednesday, was led by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, alongside the governors of Ebonyi, Imo, Abia and Enugu states. The project is aimed at enhancing military healthcare, improving operational readiness and deepening civil-military cooperation across the region.
The Army described the new medical centre as a strategic investment designed to support troops, particularly recruits undergoing training at the depot, while also strengthening medical support for ongoing and future military operations in the South-East.
Beyond serving military personnel, the facility will also provide healthcare services to residents of surrounding communities. Its location outside the depot reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare and fostering stronger relationships with host communities.
When completed, the hospital will offer a broad range of specialist medical services, including emergency care, surgical theatres, intensive care units, diagnostic laboratories, outpatient and specialist clinics, as well as dedicated wards for men, women and children. It will also feature a psychiatric unit focused on treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other operational stress-related conditions, underscoring the Army’s growing emphasis on the mental well-being of its personnel.
Speaking during the ceremony, Lieutenant General Shaibu and the South-East governors described the project as more than a healthcare facility, noting that it represents a strategic investment in national security, military preparedness and regional stability.
They said the medical centre would strengthen operational support for the Nigerian Army while contributing to socio-economic development through improved healthcare delivery and stronger collaboration between the military and local communities.
According to the Army, the project reflects its broader efforts to expand operational capabilities and infrastructure, ensuring it is better positioned to respond to evolving security challenges while supporting peace and development in the South-East.
