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COVID-19: Military Unveils 17 Isolation, Treatment Centres
The Nigerian Military, yesterday, named 17 isolation and treatment centres across the country for the management of confirmed Coronavirus cases.
It also confirmed that an unnamed military officer, who recently returned from overseas assignment, tested positive for COVID-19 and has been admitted at the Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja.
The Coordinator of the Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, who briefed journalists at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, also disclosed that the Armed Forces will implement the restriction on movement as contained in the Presidential directive.
He listed the isolation and treatment centres to include; the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba; 2 Division Hospital, Ibadan; Military Hospital, Port Harcourt; Navy Reference Hospital, Calabar; and the Military Hospital, Benin.
Others are: the 211 Regiment Group Medical Centre, Owerri; 82 Division Military Hospital, Enugu; 161 Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Makurdi; 22 Brigade Medical Centre, Ilorin; 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna; 465 Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Kano; and the 263 Nigerian Air Force Reference Hospital, Daura.
Also listed were 119 Composite Group Medical Centre, Sokoto; 261 Nigerian Air Force Reference Hospital, Bauchi; 163 Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Yola; 7 Division Military Hospital, Maiduguri; and 27 Task Force Brigade Field Ambulance, Damaturu.
According to Enenche, “You may recall that on March 27, 2020, I briefed you on the highlights of the level of preparedness of the Nigerian Military in support of the Federal Government of Nigeria towards tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In this regard, I am to give you more details on the preparedness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, which are as follows: A Committee headed by the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Major General Leo Irabor, is in place interfacing with all relevant ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As mentioned in my first briefing regarding COVID-19, there are 17 isolation and treatment centres earmarked which are spread across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
“Further to this, a good number of Armed Forces of Nigerian medical personnel have been earmarked to be trained on the management of COVID-19 cases, which will be done in liaison with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)”.
He added that, “in the same vein, about 48 Disaster Response Units of the Armed Forces of Nigeria are on Notice To Move in conjunction with NEMA. These units will handle operations other than medicals that may arise in the course of this non kinetic military operation.
“Finally, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is to implement all restriction on movement in line with the Federal Government of Nigeria. For the avoidance of doubt, this includes the Presidential Directive given by the President Commander-In-Chief, during his address to the Nation on the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 29, 2020.
“The High Command of Nigerian Military hereby solicits for the support of the general public in this trying period of the fight against COVID-19. This can be achieved by adhering to all the medical and administrative guidelines being provided by government at all levels”.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), also, yesterday, said the Armed Forces of Nigeria is ready to execute the Presidential directive on the fight against the Coronavirus (Covid-19)
The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen John Enenche, speaking at a news conference, yesterday in Abuja, said the military has a two-way plan, including giving medical support and security aspects to assist in curbing the spread of COVID-19.
Enenche noted that the military was ready to implement all restrictions on movement in line with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“The military would act in support of the civil authorities to enforce the restriction of movement.
He said that the penalty for those who would flaunt the restriction order would be handled by the police, adding that military personnel had been adequately trained on how to perform their duties.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this includes the Presidential Directive given by the President, Commander-In-Chief during his address to the nation on the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 29, 2020.
“The High Command of Nigerian Military hereby solicits the support of the general public in this trying period of the fight against COVID-19.
“This can be achieved by adhering to all the medical and administrative guidelines being provided by the government at all levels,’’ he added.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
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Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.