The Defence Headquarters has reiterated that the welfare of Nigerian military personnel, particularly those wounded in action, remains a top moral priority of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
Reacting to a viral social media video alleging neglect of injured soldiers, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, on Tuesday, described the claims as false and misleading, asserting that all personnel injured during operations are entitled to comprehensive medical care under established Armed Forces policies.
TheFact Daily gathers that the viral video, posted by content creator, Lucky Udu, which features interviews with injured soldiers had sparked widespread discussion on the welfare of Nigeria’s armed forces.
The video shows Udu , interacting with a group of soldiers with varying injuries, many wearing t-shirts labelled “Wounded in Action Soldiers” and displaying prosthetic limbs even as they recount their injuries from encounters with Boko Haram and bandit groups, with one reportedly shot by an anti-aircraft machine gun.
Speaking in the video, Udu criticised the level of support, stating, “Their welfare is not even taken seriously. They’ve been abandoned and left to care for themselves. And you expect people to join the Nigerian military.”
Maj. Gen. Uba , dismissing the claims reiterated that treatment is provided both locally and abroad, depending on the severity of injuries, with critically wounded personnel routinely evacuated to reputable foreign medical facilities when required. Within Nigeria, injured troops receive care at military hospitals, with referrals to specialised civilian facilities at government expense where necessary. Medical evacuation, surgery, rehabilitation, prosthetics and long-term care are integral parts of the framework.
General Uba also said personnel medically unfit for further service are granted favourable discharge and medical boarding conditions, including access to pensions and gratuities, while families of those killed in action receive death benefits, insurance payouts, pensions and educational support.
He stressed that insinuations of institutional neglect are inaccurate and unfair, noting that the AFN also supports wounded personnel through rehabilitation programmes, counselling and family support initiatives, as well as participation in the Invictus Games.
While acknowledging the need for continuous improvement, the Defence spokesman warned that unfounded generalisations undermine the efforts of professionals working daily to care for wounded soldiers and honour fallen personnel. He reaffirmed the AFN’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare and dignity of its personnel.
