The Nigerian Army has confirmed that 26 senior officers have so far tested positive for COVID-19 following the death of General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division Port Harcourt, Maj. Gen. Johnson Irefin who died as a result of respiratory failure secondary to the complications of COVID 19 infection.
Army Public Relations officer Sagir Musa, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday night stated that a total of 417 personnel had been tested as of Sunday and 26 samples returned positive.
According to him, the late GOC, who died on Dec 10, was among the officers, who attended the conference in Abuja.
He said that in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff that all officers who attended the just concluded COAS conference be isolated and tested.
“On the confirmation that Gen Irefin’s COVID-19 test was positive on Dec. 9, the Chief of Army Staff instructed the immediate suspension of the conference.
“And, all participants were directed to move into self-isolation in line with the Federal Government protocols on COVID 19 pandemic,” the statement read.
“Currently, all participants are in self-isolation irrespective of their results while Nigeria Centre for Disease Control recommended COVID-19 treatment drugs were immediately issued to those that tested positive,” he added.
The army spokesperson added that all officers and soldiers working at the Army Headquarters were being tested while COVID-19 protocols as strict health guidelines were being enforced across all units and formations of Nigerian army.
He further added that the entire Army Headquarters complex was thoroughly fumigated on Saturday.
