The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims circulating in a viral video alleging neglect and poor welfare for military personnel wounded in action, describing the assertions as misleading and unfair.
The Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, made the clarification in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
The clarification followed a video circulated by one Lucky Udu Studio on social media, which insinuated institutional indifference to the welfare of injured military personnel.
According to Uba, the welfare of wounded soldiers remained a top moral and operational priority of the armed forces, with comprehensive medical and welfare structures firmly in place.
“All personnel injured in the course of operations are entitled to full medical care in line with established Armed Forces medical policies,” he said.
Uba explained that wounded personnel receive treatment across the network of military hospitals and medical centres nationwide, with referrals to specialised civilian facilities at government expense where required.
He added that critically wounded personnel are routinely evacuated abroad for advanced medical treatment when such care is unavailable locally, noting that medical evacuation, surgery, rehabilitation, prosthetics and long-term care are integral components of the military welfare framework.
The defence spokesman further clarified that personnel whose injuries prevent further service were granted favourable medical boarding and discharge conditions, including access to pensions, gratuities and other statutory benefits in line with extant regulations.
He added that families of personnel killed in action are supported through death benefits, insurance payouts, pensions and educational support initiatives for dependants.
Uba described as inaccurate the claim that injured or fallen soldiers are abandoned, stressing that wounded personnel benefit from rehabilitation programmes, counselling, family support and sustained command oversight.
“The very soldiers featured in the video are living evidence of the efforts of the Armed Forces in rehabilitating personnel wounded in action,” he said.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s participation in the Invictus Games as further proof of its commitment to the recovery, resilience and reintegration of wounded and injured service personnel.
Uba said that while constructive feedback was welcome, he warned that sweeping and unsubstantiated generalisations could undermine public confidence and discourage young Nigerians willing to serve the nation.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to transparency, accountability and the welfare and dignity of its personnel.
