‘Soldier First’: Sector 2 Commander Highlights Army’s Massive Investment in Troop Welfare, Medical Care
The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brigadier General Martins, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to prioritising troop welfare, stating that sustained investments in medical care, feeding, clothing and general wellbeing of soldiers remain central to operational effectiveness in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign.
The commander stated this while explaining the rationale behind the significant improvements observed at the Level II Field Hospital within the sector during an interaction with journalists.
According to him, the initiative is firmly rooted in the operational philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, which places the soldier at the centre of military operations under the concept of “Soldier First.”
“The rationale is anchored on the philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, which is centred on the concept of ‘Soldier First.’ The soldier is the one fighting the war and therefore remains the most critical component of military operations,” he said.
Brig Gen Martins noted that the Army leadership understands that operational success cannot be sustained without prioritising the welfare and morale of troops deployed in combat theatres.
“To sustain operational effectiveness, the welfare of troops must be prioritised. Significant efforts have been made to ensure soldiers are properly catered for, especially in the areas of feeding, clothing, medical care and general welfare,” he stated.
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The commander dismissed recurring allegations concerning poor feeding of troops as misleading and mischievous, explaining that the Army has institutional mechanisms for monitoring and reporting soldiers’ welfare directly to Army Headquarters on a daily basis.
“For example, the feeding of soldiers is constantly monitored and reports are submitted regularly to the Chief of Army Staff. That is why some of the negative reports you occasionally see about soldiers’ feeding are clearly mischievous. There is a daily reporting mechanism in place to ensure standards are maintained,” he explained.
He further clarified that soldiers do not purchase their own uniforms or protective kits, stressing that such operational necessities are officially supplied by the military authorities.
“Similarly, soldiers do not buy uniforms. Uniforms and protective gear are supplied to them officially. The Army leadership is very particular about troop welfare,” he added.
Brig Gen Martins also disclosed that the Army regularly facilitates transportation for personnel to visit their families outside the theatre of operations, including the provision of air movement arrangements for troops across different parts of the country.
“When soldiers need to visit their families, arrangements are made to fly them out of the theatre. We have regular flights that move troops to different parts of the country and bring them back,” he said.
While acknowledging that no system is entirely perfect, the commander maintained that the Nigerian Army leadership remains deeply committed to ensuring soldiers are adequately cared for, describing welfare as a critical factor in maintaining morale and combat efficiency.
“While we may not claim perfection, I can confidently say the Army leadership is deeply committed to ensuring that soldiers are well catered for because welfare is critical to operational effectiveness,” he stated.
