Brigadier General Makafi Ishaya Ibrahim, Commander of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, has highlighted the Brigade’s growing impact on communities in Katsina State through a series of life-changing Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects aimed at improving healthcare, supporting farmers, and strengthening ties with residents.
Speaking on the Brigade’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Brig. Gen. Ibrahim disclosed that the Army has renovated primary healthcare facilities, organized free medical outreaches, distributed fertilizers to farmers, and provided assistance to vulnerable members of surrounding communities. He noted that the initiatives are designed to improve the welfare of residents while fostering trust between the military and civilians.
According to the Brigade Commander, the programmes have also enhanced community engagement, encouraging residents to volunteer credible intelligence that supports ongoing efforts to combat insecurity and protect lives and property across the state.
One of the beneficiaries, the Ward Head (Mai Unguwa) of Natsinta Community, Malam Dayyabu Haruna, commended the 17 Brigade for renovating the community’s long-abandoned Primary Healthcare Centre. He said repeated appeals to the local government for intervention had yielded no results until the Nigerian Army stepped in.
Haruna revealed that the renovated facility is now fully equipped, stocked with essential drugs, and supported by medical personnel, while complicated cases are referred to the Brigade’s main hospital for advanced treatment. He described the intervention as a major relief for the community and pledged continued support for the Nigerian Army’s operations.
Also speaking, the Officer-in-Charge of the Natsinta Community Hospital, Hajiya Hafsat Aliyu, said the Brigade’s intervention has transformed healthcare delivery in the area. She explained that free medical services and medications have encouraged more residents to seek treatment without worrying about the cost.
Hafsat added that the hospital now has renovated wards, new toilet facilities, and improved working conditions, enabling health workers to provide services beyond official hours. She noted that the upgraded facility has significantly increased patient turnout and has already saved many lives.
The 17 Brigade’s CSR initiatives confirms the Nigerian Army’s commitment to combining security operations with humanitarian interventions, reinforcing public confidence while promoting sustainable development in communities across Katsina State.