By Bavoriat Clara
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as misleading claims circulating in a viral social media video allegedly produced by Lucky Udu Studio, which insinuates neglect and institutional indifference to the welfare of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wounded in action.
Reacting to the video, which suggests that injured soldiers are abandoned without adequate care or support, the DHQ said the allegations do not reflect the realities of the comprehensive welfare structures in place for wounded and fallen personnel.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military high command reaffirmed that the welfare of personnel, particularly those wounded during operations, remains a top moral and operational priority of the Armed Forces.
According to the statement, all personnel injured in combat or operations are entitled to comprehensive medical care in line with established Armed Forces medical policies. This includes treatment within Nigeria and, where necessary, advanced medical care abroad depending on the severity and nature of injuries sustained.
The DHQ explained that wounded personnel are treated across the Armed Forces’ network of military hospitals and medical centres nationwide, with referrals to specialised civilian hospitals when required, all at government expense. Medical evacuation, surgeries, rehabilitation services, provision of prosthetics and long-term care are integral components of the AFN’s medical support system.
The statement further noted that personnel whose injuries prevent them from continuing in active service are granted favourable medical boarding and discharge conditions, ensuring access to pensions, gratuities and other statutory benefits in accordance with existing regulations.
Families of personnel killed in action, the DHQ stressed, are also supported through death benefits, insurance payouts, pensions and educational support for dependants, alongside continuous engagement by military authorities.
Describing the claim that “nobody cares” for wounded or fallen soldiers as inaccurate and unfair, the DHQ said injured personnel also benefit from structured welfare programmes, including counselling, rehabilitation initiatives, family support mechanisms and sustained command oversight. It added that the individuals featured in the viral video themselves serve as evidence of the AFN’s ongoing rehabilitation efforts, standing as living testimonies to the care provided to those wounded in action.
The Defence Headquarters also highlighted Nigeria’s participation in the Invictus Games, an international initiative that uses sports as a platform for the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women. According to the DHQ, Nigeria’s involvement in the Games underscores the AFN’s commitment to physical recovery, mental resilience and social reintegration of its wounded heroes.
While acknowledging that welfare systems require continuous improvement, the Armed Forces said constructive feedback is welcome. However, it cautioned that sweeping and unsubstantiated generalisations suggesting institutional neglect undermine the efforts of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to support wounded personnel and honour fallen heroes. Such narratives, the statement warned, could also negatively influence young Nigerians considering a career in the military.
The DHQ reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to transparency, accountability and, above all, the welfare, dignity and honour of the men and women who risk their lives daily in defence of the nation.
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