The Defence Headquarters has dismissed viral social media claims that Nigerian soldiers wounded in action are abandoned to their fate, describing the allegations as misleading and unfair.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, said the welfare of injured personnel remained a “top moral priority” of the Armed Forces, contrary to a video circulating online suggesting institutional indifference.
Uba said all personnel wounded during operations were entitled to comprehensive medical care in line with established military policies, noting that treatment is provided either within Nigeria or abroad depending on the severity of injuries.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria routinely facilitate advanced treatment for critically wounded personnel in reputable medical facilities outside the country where such care is required,” he said.
He added that within Nigeria, injured troops receive care across the network of military hospitals and medical centres, with referrals to specialised civilian facilities when necessary, all at government expense.
According to the DHQ, medical evacuation, surgery, rehabilitation, prosthetics and long-term care form integral components of the welfare system for wounded personnel.
Uba further disclosed that soldiers whose injuries prevent them from continuing in service are supported through favourable discharge and medical boarding conditions, including access to pensions, gratuities and other statutory benefits.
“In addition, families of personnel killed in action are not abandoned. They are supported through death benefits, insurance payouts, pensions, educational support initiatives for dependants, and continuous engagement by military authorities,” the statement read.
The military high command also said wounded soldiers benefit from structured rehabilitation programmes, counselling services, family support mechanisms and sustained command oversight.
Reacting to the viral video, the DHQ said the soldiers featured were themselves proof of the Armed Forces’ commitment to care for injured personnel, stressing that claims that “nobody cares” about wounded or fallen soldiers were inaccurate and damaging.
“It suffices to mention that they serve as a courageous testimony to the great sacrifices made by personnel who continue to serve the nation in spite of the loss of many colleagues to death and injury in the course of the noble profession of arms,” the statement added.
The DHQ also cited Nigeria’s participation in the Invictus Games as further evidence of its commitment to the physical recovery, mental resilience and social reintegration of wounded service members.
It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare and dignity of men and women of the Armed Forces who risk their lives in defence of the country.
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