The Nigerian Army has announced plans to train more medical doctors in specialised fields to strengthen healthcare support for troops and improve the quality of medical services across its formations.
The initiative was disclosed by the Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, during a bilateral meeting with the Chief of the South African Army, Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha.
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According to the army chief, the plan involves collaborating with South African military health institutions to train Nigerian doctors in specialised medical areas critical to military operations. He noted that the training will focus on fields such as forensic pathology and trauma-related critical care, which are essential for managing combat injuries and other medical emergencies faced by troops in operational theatres.
Oluyede explained that the initiative forms part of broader military cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, particularly in training, knowledge exchange, and capacity building between the two countries’ armed forces.
He added that discussions are ongoing to expand collaboration beyond medical services to include aviation training. The Nigerian Army, he said, is currently developing its aviation wing and is exploring opportunities for its pilots to receive training in South Africa.
The army chief emphasised that strengthening military partnerships is vital as Nigeria continues to tackle terrorism and insurgency, especially in the North-East.
Mbatha, on his part, said the visit offered an opportunity for the South African Army to learn from Nigeria’s operational experience in counter-terrorism and asymmetric warfare. He expressed interest in deepening cooperation between both armies in specialised areas such as aviation, medical training, and counter-insurgency operations.
