DHQ Refutes Viral Video Claims on Welfare of Wounded Soldiers
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims circulating in a viral video by Lucky Udu Studio alleging neglect and poor welfare of military personnel wounded in action, describing the assertions as misleading and inaccurate.
In a statement e-signed and issued on Tuesday, DHQ said the welfare of wounded personnel remains “a top moral priority” of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), stressing that all injured soldiers are entitled to comprehensive medical care under established military policies.
“The welfare of Nigerian military personnel, especially those wounded in action, remains a top moral priority of the AFN,” the statement said. “All personnel injured during operations or combat are entitled to comprehensive medical care, provided both locally and abroad depending on the nature and severity of injuries.”
According to the DHQ, wounded troops receive treatment across the Armed Forces’ network of military hospitals and medical centres, with referrals to specialised civilian facilities at government expense when necessary. It added that medical evacuation, surgery, rehabilitation, prosthetics and long-term care are integral parts of the welfare framework.
The military also highlighted favourable discharge and medical boarding conditions for personnel whose injuries prevent further service, ensuring access to pensions, gratuities and other statutory benefits. Families of personnel killed in action, it said, are supported through death benefits, insurance payouts, pensions, educational support for dependants and continued engagement by military authorities.
“Undoubtedly, the insinuation that ‘nobody cares’ about injured or fallen soldiers is inaccurate and unfair,” the statement read, noting that wounded personnel also benefit from structured rehabilitation programmes, counselling, family support mechanisms and sustained command oversight.
DHQ further pointed out that the soldiers featured in the video are “clear evidence of the efforts of the AFN in rehabilitating those wounded in action,” describing them as living testimonies to the sacrifices made in service to the nation.
The military also referenced Nigeria’s participation in the Invictus Games, a global sports recovery and rehabilitation platform for wounded servicemen and women, as proof of its commitment to physical recovery, mental resilience and social reintegration.
While acknowledging that welfare systems require continuous improvement, the DHQ said constructive feedback is welcome but warned that “unsubstantiated sweeping generalisations” undermine the work of professionals caring for wounded colleagues and could discourage young Nigerians from joining the armed forces.
“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.
