The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied claims circulating on social media that it has neglected military personnel injured in action, describing the allegations as false, misleading and unfair.
Reacting to a viral video that alleged lack of care and institutional indifference towards wounded soldiers, the military high command said the welfare of its personnel—especially those injured during operations—remains a top moral and professional priority.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 27, by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, the DHQ stressed that all personnel wounded in combat are entitled to comprehensive medical care in line with established Armed Forces medical policies.
According to the statement, injured personnel receive treatment either within Nigeria or abroad, depending on the severity and nature of their injuries. The DHQ explained that critically wounded soldiers are routinely evacuated to reputable medical facilities outside the country when advanced care is required.
Within Nigeria, the statement noted that wounded personnel are treated across the Armed Forces’ network of military hospitals and medical centres, with referrals to specialised civilian facilities when necessary, all at government expense. Medical evacuation, surgery, rehabilitation, prosthetics and long-term care were described as integral components of the military’s healthcare system.
The DHQ further stated that personnel whose injuries prevent them from continuing active service are supported through medical boarding and favourable discharge conditions, including access to pensions, gratuities and other statutory benefits.
“In addition, families of personnel killed in action are not abandoned,” the statement said, adding that they receive death benefits, insurance payouts, pensions, educational support for dependants and continued engagement by military authorities.
Beyond medical treatment, the military said wounded personnel also benefit from structured welfare programmes, including rehabilitation initiatives, counselling services, family support mechanisms and sustained command oversight.
Addressing the viral video directly, the DHQ said the soldiers featured were evidence of the Armed Forces’ ongoing efforts to rehabilitate injured personnel, describing claims that “nobody cares” about wounded or fallen soldiers as inaccurate.
“They serve as courageous testimony to the sacrifices made by personnel who continue to serve the nation despite the loss of colleagues to death and injury in the course of duty,” the statement added.
The DHQ also cited Nigeria’s participation in the Invictus Games as further proof of its commitment to the physical recovery, mental resilience and social reintegration of wounded personnel, noting the programme’s positive impact on morale and public awareness.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to transparency, accountability and, above all, the welfare and dignity of the men and women who risk their lives in defence of the nation,” the statement concluded.