By Clare Ijeoma
Amid the increasing cost of living in Nigeria, a wounded soldier has found solace and support from a former commander and general in an unforeseen reunion at a hospital.
During a routine visit to the hospital, the former frontline soldier, who identified himself as “Die Hart” on X (formerly Twitter), bumped into his former commanding officer, retired General Kawugana, who served as his mentor during their time in the Lake Chad axis fighting Boko Haram terrorists.
Die Hart, a sniper and counter insurgency warrior, said upon seeing the general, he approached the general who immediately recognized and called him by his name, an acknowledgment that deeply moved him. “He remembered my name, even after all these years,” the soldier recounted, with a mix of surprise and gratitude evident in his tweet. “He started telling the officers, ‘These are my fighters, these are my commandos in the frontline,’ sharing stories from our time together.”
Further, Die Hart said the general’s response with empathy when he showed him his injuries reminded him that his sacrifices had not gone unnoticed. According to him, this singular gesture spoke volumes and lifted his spirits, reaffirming his faith in the goodness of humanity.
“Man shook his head and consoled me, that alone is more than anything in the life of a soldier,” the soldier expressed. This was followed by a token from the General to the soldier. “Oga chip me small welfare,” the said on X via his handle @jassjegs.
This reunion was a significant boost for the soldier, who had been grappling with the physical and emotional scars of his service. The acknowledgment and support from a revered leader offered him a renewed sense of worth.
Meanwhile, many X users went under Die Hart’s tweet to show their sympathy and thank the general for his good gesture.
“May Allah bless him and all our soldiers out there, serving and retired, we thank you all for your service. All soldiers reading this, please know that we love you and you and your families are always in our prayers. May Allah keep you safe, Ameen. 😎👍,” wrote one Muhammad J.K.D. who goes by the handle @muhammadjkd.
Kawugana is a decorated senior officer. Some of his medals and awards includes: Distinguished Service Star, Pass Staff Course Dagger, Fellow National Defence College Dagger, Command Medal, Field Command Medal, General Operations Medal, and Member National Institute of Management.
General Kawugana’s distinguished military career is a testament to his courage and leadership, having played a pivotal role in securing victory in some of the most challenging theatres of conflict. This, according to the soldier, is a hope for Nigeria as “Nigeria will be great again.”
Amid Nigeria's rising cost of living, a wounded soldier named "Die Hart" experienced an uplifting reunion with his former commander, retired General Kawugana, at a hospital. Die Hart, a former sniper battling injuries from his service against Boko Haram, was deeply moved when the General recognized him and acknowledged his sacrifices. This meeting significantly boosted Die Hart's morale, reminding him that his efforts were valued.
The soldier shared his emotional account on X (formerly Twitter), noting that the General's empathy and support, including a token gift, reinforced his faith in humanity. Other users on X expressed their gratitude and prayers for soldiers, highlighting the sense of camaraderie and respect for military personnel.
General Kawugana, a decorated officer with numerous accolades, is celebrated for his leadership and contributions during critical conflicts, emphasizing hope for Nigeria's future. Die Hart believes that Nigeria will achieve greatness again, inspired by the General's commitment and legacy.
