By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has firmly dismissed claims circulating on social media suggesting that members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wounded in action are neglected, insisting that the welfare of troops remains a core moral obligation and institutional priority.
Reacting to a viral video that alleged lack of care and official indifference toward injured soldiers, the DHQ said the claims were misleading and failed to reflect the realities of the military’s extensive welfare and medical support framework.
In a statement issued on 27 January 2026, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, stressed that every Nigerian soldier injured in the line of duty is entitled to comprehensive medical care, both within Nigeria and abroad, depending on the severity of injuries.
According to the DHQ, wounded personnel receive treatment across a network of Armed Forces hospitals and medical centres nationwide, with referrals to specialised civilian hospitals where required, all funded by the government. For critically wounded troops, advanced medical treatment and rehabilitation are facilitated in reputable foreign medical facilities.
The military explained that troop welfare extends beyond emergency treatment to include medical evacuation, surgery, long-term rehabilitation, prosthetic support, counselling and sustained follow-up care. Personnel whose injuries prevent continued service are provided with favourable medical boarding and discharge conditions, ensuring access to pensions, gratuities and other statutory benefits.
The DHQ also underscored its responsibility to the families of fallen soldiers, noting that they are supported through death benefits, insurance payouts, pensions, educational assistance for dependants and continuous engagement by military authorities.
Addressing the viral video directly, the DHQ described the suggestion that “nobody cares” for wounded or fallen troops as unfair and inaccurate, adding that even the soldiers featured in the footage are evidence of the Armed Forces’ ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
Beyond medical and financial support, the military highlighted structured welfare initiatives such as rehabilitation programmes, family support mechanisms and mental health counselling, all aimed at restoring dignity and improving the quality of life of injured personnel.
Nigeria’s participation in the Invictus Games, an international sporting platform for wounded servicemen and women, was also cited as a demonstration of the AFN’s commitment to physical recovery, psychological resilience and social reintegration of its wounded heroes.
While acknowledging the need for continuous improvement in welfare systems, the DHQ said constructive criticism is welcome but warned that sweeping and unsubstantiated allegations risk undermining morale and discouraging young Nigerians from joining the Armed Forces.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to transparency, accountability and the welfare of the men and women who risk their lives daily in defence of the nation.
