The Nigerian Army has said that 1,000 children and dependants of murdered army officers have been awarded scholarships.
Speaking during its monthly press briefing in Abuja, on Wednesday, March 25, Nigerian Army Acting Director of Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, said the payment started in February.
“The payment which started in February 2015, is scheduled for completion at the end of March 2015,” he said.
He added; “For ease of administration and convenience, the beneficiaries are grouped into 20 batches of 50 each. The payment is based on approved criteria for sponsorship of eligible children of deceased personnel by the Nigerian Army.”
Usman also disclosed that the nineteen officers of the Nigerian military who were wounded during the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents have been successfully treated abroad.
He said the provision of adequate medical services contributes to the physical and mental capacity of troops in battle.
“To this end, our troops in the theatre of operations in the North East have continued to enjoy adequate medical care,” Usman said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Army casualty evacuation procedure starts from the collection point within the unit where casualties receive first aid from their comrades and where necessary casualties are then moved to the Medical Reception Station (MRS) and Divisional Hospitals for further treatment.
“Exceptional cases are however referred and evacuated by air to Reference Hospitals. In case the Reference Hospital cannot manage the injury, such officer/soldier is evacuated abroad where adequate medical treatment will be administered.
“So far, a total of 19 officers and soldiers have been successfully treated abroad.
“For effective monitoring of wounded soldiers evacuated to 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna, the COAS has directed the Chief of Administration (Army) to visit the hospital fortnightly in order to ensure adequate medical care/treatment is given to the wounded officers/soldiers on admission,” the Colonel stated.
