By Nkechi Eze
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as misleading a viral video circulating on social media and attributed to Lucky Udu Studio, which alleges neglect, lack of care and institutional indifference toward members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wounded in action.
The military said the claims do not reflect the reality of existing welfare structures and policies for injured personnel, stressing that the welfare of wounded soldiers remains a top moral and operational priority of the Armed Forces.
In an official signed statement, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, explained that all personnel who sustain injuries during operations or combat are entitled to comprehensive medical care in line with established Armed Forces medical policies.
He said such care is provided both within Nigeria and, where necessary, outside the country, depending on the nature and severity of injuries.
“The welfare of Nigerian military personnel, especially those wounded in action, remains a top moral priority of the AFN. All personnel injured during operations or combat are entitled to comprehensive medical care. This includes advanced treatment in reputable medical facilities abroad for critically wounded personnel whenever required,” the statement said.
Major General Uba noted that within Nigeria, injured personnel are treated across the network of Armed Forces hospitals and medical centres, with additional referrals to specialised civilian facilities at government expense when necessary.
He added that medical evacuation, surgical intervention, rehabilitation, provision of prosthetics and long-term care are integral components of the military’s healthcare framework for wounded personnel.
The DHQ further stated that personnel whose injuries prevent continued service are processed under favourable medical boarding and discharge conditions, with access to pensions, gratuities and other statutory entitlements in accordance with existing regulations.
On the welfare of fallen heroes’ families, the statement said they are not abandoned, but supported through death benefits, insurance payouts, pensions, educational support schemes for dependants and continuous engagement by military authorities.
The Defence Headquarters described as inaccurate and unfair the insinuation that “nobody cares” about injured or fallen soldiers.
Beyond medical treatment, the statement said wounded personnel benefit from structured welfare support, including rehabilitation programmes, counselling services, family support mechanisms and sustained command oversight.
It also noted that the very soldiers featured in the viral video are themselves living evidence of the Armed Forces’ rehabilitation efforts, serving as courageous testimonies to the sacrifices made by personnel who continue to serve the nation despite injuries and the loss of colleagues.
The DHQ further highlighted Nigeria’s participation in the Invictus Games, an international platform designed to support and inspire wounded, injured and sick service members through sports recovery and rehabilitation.
According to the military, Nigeria’s involvement in the Games underscores the AFN’s commitment to physical recovery, mental resilience and social reintegration of wounded personnel, with positive and lasting impact on morale and public awareness.
While acknowledging that welfare systems require continuous improvement, the Armed Forces said constructive feedback is welcome, but warned that sweeping and unsubstantiated allegations of institutional neglect undermine the dedication of professionals who work daily to care for wounded colleagues and honour fallen heroes.
The statement added that such negative generalisations could also discourage young Nigerians who may wish to join the military in service of the nation.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability and, above all, the welfare and dignity of the men and women who risk their lives in defence of the country.
