Well, Notabella caught up with him and in an exclusive chat, he opened up more on what really happened on that fateful day, his relationship with the mother and baby afterwards, his personal life, conditions of the IDPs and more!
Excerpts from the interview below;
May we know you?
I'm Celestine Nwabueze from Ihiala LG in anambra state, a military personnel serving currently in Borno state. I have a twin sister, and I'm the last of nine kids. Did my primary school in Enugu state(WTC primary school) secondary school (GTC) went to ESCET that's Enugu state college of education and technical Enugu state, but I did not finish my NCE program because I got the job same year I finished my first semester exam.
Why did you join the force?
Nice question. Well, since my childhood I've so much loved military. I never knew that it was so hard to get in. It was during my time that I discovered that many people have tried it but couldn't succeed. But my own case was different, In fact I think it's my destiny because everything happened the way I planned and prayed for.
Wow ! That's great
Yes, it's been God all the way.
Yes, it's been God all the way.
Where were you posted initially as a soldier
A week to our passing out parade, we sat for exam which only 700 people passed, out of 7000, and I was among the successful people that passed. So after that, the chief of Army staff gave order that we should be taken to Kontagora in Niger state for counter terrorist training, then after the training I was posted to 72 special force battalion Makurdi, Benue state.
I was with them for 11 months, we came to Makurdi when the Fulani crisis was on and we calmed it down. So after that, my CO then, saw how good we were in fighting, he nominated all my course-mates, because we are crack in the game as a special force. We trained with British special force for some months then we went and trained with South Africa special force again, so after the tough training we were posted to Maiduguri in January 2015
Ok. So you and your course mates were specially posted to Maiduguri due to your special skills,to combat Boko Haram?Yes
How has the fight been so far?
Well, it's been God all the way, because I have not lost any of my mates here in Maiduguri. It's not by our power, but many have been injured, but not a soul has been lost amongst my mates
That's awesome!
A week to our passing out parade, we sat for exam which only 700 people passed, out of 7000, and I was among the successful people that passed. So after that, the chief of Army staff gave order that we should be taken to Kontagora in Niger state for counter terrorist training, then after the training I was posted to 72 special force battalion Makurdi, Benue state.
I was with them for 11 months, we came to Makurdi when the Fulani crisis was on and we calmed it down. So after that, my CO then, saw how good we were in fighting, he nominated all my course-mates, because we are crack in the game as a special force. We trained with British special force for some months then we went and trained with South Africa special force again, so after the tough training we were posted to Maiduguri in January 2015
Ok. So you and your course mates were specially posted to Maiduguri due to your special skills,to combat Boko Haram?Yes
How has the fight been so far?
Well, it's been God all the way, because I have not lost any of my mates here in Maiduguri. It's not by our power, but many have been injured, but not a soul has been lost amongst my mates
That's awesome!
Recently you made headlines in the news that you delivered a woman of her baby, but on your page someone countered the report claiming that you just posed with a baby that's several months old. Is that person correct?
No, I will tell you the story now. It happened last year August when we went for rescue operation in one of the locations in the bush (Dikwa LG), after capturing the LG, we opened an IDP camp close to our camp so that we can accommodate the villagers. So one day we went for patrol in one of the villages, there was a woman who was in labor and we heard gun shots from the bad guys so there was confusion everywhere and I was like if I leave this woman and take cover, she might not survive it. So I called some old women and told them to help the situation on ground, so after that, she gave birth to a boy and we told them to come over to our IDP camp for their safety. So after one month I went there to teach the children, I normally teach them to at least make them think like normal human beings.Those children are so brilliant .
So on my way I saw a woman rejoicing with her one month old baby coming closer to me and speaking Kanuri language, but I don't understand the language, so one of my colleagues explained it to me that the woman was so happy to see my face again. That she wants to name her child after me, but because I'm a Christian and she is not, she named her 'Abukar' instead of 'EBUKA'
So the person who said that it's a hoax is wrong because he didn't ask me to tell him or her the story. The reason why I posted it on Facebook was because it was the same date being August 22 that I left the place for another assignment. I Was with them for 7months
So on my way I saw a woman rejoicing with her one month old baby coming closer to me and speaking Kanuri language, but I don't understand the language, so one of my colleagues explained it to me that the woman was so happy to see my face again. That she wants to name her child after me, but because I'm a Christian and she is not, she named her 'Abukar' instead of 'EBUKA'
So the person who said that it's a hoax is wrong because he didn't ask me to tell him or her the story. The reason why I posted it on Facebook was because it was the same date being August 22 that I left the place for another assignment. I Was with them for 7months
So in order words; you brought women who delivered her of her baby, safe guarded them and you weren't involved in the actual delivery process ?
Yes
Because I'm not a midwife, It's not my job
You said you saw a woman who was in labor! How did you know she was in labor, since you are not a midwife and ordinarily most men do not know the signs of labor
Laughs...
She was screaming and there was someone with her, maybe her sister, saying something Ruya in Hausa language and was demonstrating it by touching her stomach and I remembered what my mum said when my brother's wife was in labor. about water or something breaking..laughs .So that's that! I felt she was in labor.
Yes
Because I'm not a midwife, It's not my job
You said you saw a woman who was in labor! How did you know she was in labor, since you are not a midwife and ordinarily most men do not know the signs of labor
Laughs...
She was screaming and there was someone with her, maybe her sister, saying something Ruya in Hausa language and was demonstrating it by touching her stomach and I remembered what my mum said when my brother's wife was in labor. about water or something breaking..laughs .So that's that! I felt she was in labor.
When your story went round tagging you a hero. How did that make you feel. As a young solider whose name is on everyone's lips
Wow!
I didn't even know I was everywhere already, because my subscription had finished, it was my Officer who called me and told me about it when I went to take something from the office, I was surprised. I didn't get to read it until I subscribed and saw many congratulatory messages in my inbox and I was like wow! Is this really happening and my mom called me and started blessing me.I was so excited about it.
Did that affect relationship with your mates over there? Was there any badge of honor or anything similar given to you for putting the army in the news positively ?
Hmmm
About the badge of honour, No. But my colleagues were happy for me
When the news made rounds online. IPOB used it as a propaganda per say, calling you a true Biafran son and that, it's only a Biafran that can do what you did. What's your take on Biafra, and IPOB protest so far?
Wow!
I didn't even know I was everywhere already, because my subscription had finished, it was my Officer who called me and told me about it when I went to take something from the office, I was surprised. I didn't get to read it until I subscribed and saw many congratulatory messages in my inbox and I was like wow! Is this really happening and my mom called me and started blessing me.I was so excited about it.
Did that affect relationship with your mates over there? Was there any badge of honor or anything similar given to you for putting the army in the news positively ?
Hmmm
About the badge of honour, No. But my colleagues were happy for me
When the news made rounds online. IPOB used it as a propaganda per say, calling you a true Biafran son and that, it's only a Biafran that can do what you did. What's your take on Biafra, and IPOB protest so far?
Hmmmm,
I do not wish to comment on that.
But did you read the news
Yes.
I saw it and I thank everyone for their positive comments. I believe in one Nigeria
Are you still in touch with the mother and child ?
I saw it and I thank everyone for their positive comments. I believe in one Nigeria
Are you still in touch with the mother and child ?
Hmmmm
To be honest with you, since I left them this year, I have not heard from them. But each time I go there for escort or patrol, immediately the children see me, they start singing 36 states and capital which is what I taught them and it gives me joy. Many children there die of malnutrition, so I do buy some milk for the children, the one that my money can buy.
That's really nice and thoughtful of youYes
Thanks for your compliments
Would you suggest anything to help alleviate sufferings of those in IDP camps
Yes
Well, I think the federal government is doing something about it, but I do urge them to do more especially in the aspect of food and education for the children, I could imagine the look in there eyes when I was leaving them. Till tomorrow I wish to be with those children to make them feel better like normal human beings. You can imagine living inside the bush for years without going to school because of the insurgence.
That's really nice and thoughtful of youYes
Thanks for your compliments
Would you suggest anything to help alleviate sufferings of those in IDP camps
Yes
Well, I think the federal government is doing something about it, but I do urge them to do more especially in the aspect of food and education for the children, I could imagine the look in there eyes when I was leaving them. Till tomorrow I wish to be with those children to make them feel better like normal human beings. You can imagine living inside the bush for years without going to school because of the insurgence.
Yes... I can only try to feel their pain! The pictures send a thousand words across!
Thanks for that, I so much love those children.
Can I tell you something about what people said
Yes you can
They were like are you sure you are an original Igbo guy? And I said yes that I am core Igbo from Anambra state. What I did was not for people to love me nor for the government to recognize me. But I felt the pain of what she was going through that time. I saw my brother's wife when she was in labor and I know what she went through. I so much derive joy being in the military especially fighting for my country Nigeria. I don't have another country other than Nigeria. Long live the federal republic of Nigeria.
Wow . So they assumed that Igbo people are not selfless. Well you just proved them wrong
You keep mentioning your brother; can we know a bit about your family
Hmmmm
My family, they are the best thing that has ever happened to me, because I was very stubborn when I was small, after all the things I did, they still love and stood with me. You can imagine being the last born out of nine children. But the best is my girlfriend which is my mum. That woman is not just a mother, she is everything to me.
Did she ever object to you joining the military
Not all, but she cried when I left for training thinking that she will not see me again. I can't forget her last word "Chukwuebuka, Ndi Army wants to separate you from me" she cried bitterly but I assured her that I will come back to see her again. But my twin sister was very strong and she believes in me that I will succeed in the Army. I call her my Queen
They were like are you sure you are an original Igbo guy? And I said yes that I am core Igbo from Anambra state. What I did was not for people to love me nor for the government to recognize me. But I felt the pain of what she was going through that time. I saw my brother's wife when she was in labor and I know what she went through. I so much derive joy being in the military especially fighting for my country Nigeria. I don't have another country other than Nigeria. Long live the federal republic of Nigeria.
Wow . So they assumed that Igbo people are not selfless. Well you just proved them wrong
You keep mentioning your brother; can we know a bit about your family
Hmmmm
My family, they are the best thing that has ever happened to me, because I was very stubborn when I was small, after all the things I did, they still love and stood with me. You can imagine being the last born out of nine children. But the best is my girlfriend which is my mum. That woman is not just a mother, she is everything to me.
Did she ever object to you joining the military
Not all, but she cried when I left for training thinking that she will not see me again. I can't forget her last word "Chukwuebuka, Ndi Army wants to separate you from me" she cried bitterly but I assured her that I will come back to see her again. But my twin sister was very strong and she believes in me that I will succeed in the Army. I call her my Queen
Are u in a relationship?
Well to be honest with you, for now I'm not in any relationship with anyone.
I really appreciate your time and candid responses! Thank you
Wow God bless his kind heart, we need more people with his kinda heart in d world, keep it up soldier!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGod bless the courageous soldier and reward him immensely and d blogger too God make u bigger
ReplyDeleteThat's my boss.......always remember our motto" no distraction".....
ReplyDeleteThat's my boss.......always remember our motto" no distraction".....
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the best piece I've read today. I'm so happy, inspired and motivated. May God richly bless sir. God bless the Nigerian Armed forces
ReplyDelete