The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims circulating in a viral video produced by Lucky Udu Studio alleging neglect and poor welfare of Nigerian military personnel wounded in action.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, described the claims as misleading and unfair, stressing that the welfare of wounded personnel remains a top moral and institutional priority of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
According to the DHQ, all military personnel injured during operations are entitled to comprehensive medical care under established Armed Forces medical policies. This includes treatment within Nigeria and, where necessary, advanced medical care abroad for critically wounded personnel.
The statement explained that within the country, injured soldiers receive treatment across the network of military hospitals and medical centres, with referrals to specialised civilian hospitals when required, all at government expense. Medical evacuation, surgeries, rehabilitation services, prosthetics and long-term care are also integral components of the support framework.
The DHQ further noted that personnel whose injuries prevent continued service benefit from favourable medical boarding and discharge conditions, including access to pensions, gratuities and other statutory entitlements. Families of personnel killed in action are similarly supported through death benefits, insurance payouts, pensions, educational support for dependants and sustained engagement by military authorities.
“The insinuation that nobody cares for injured or fallen soldiers is inaccurate,” the statement said, adding that wounded personnel also receive structured welfare support such as counselling, rehabilitation programmes, family assistance and continuous command oversight.
The DHQ pointed out that the soldiers featured in the viral video are themselves evidence of the military’s rehabilitation efforts, describing them as living testimonies to the sacrifices made by service members in defence of the nation.
It also highlighted Nigeria’s participation in the Invictus Games, an international sporting initiative for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, as further proof of the AFN’s commitment to recovery, resilience and reintegration of injured personnel.
While acknowledging that welfare systems require continuous improvement, the DHQ said constructive feedback is welcome but warned that sweeping and unsubstantiated allegations undermine the efforts of personnel who work daily to support wounded colleagues. It added that such narratives could also discourage young Nigerians willing to join the armed forces.
The statement reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare and dignity of its personnel.
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