Nigerian Defence Headquarters denies neglecting wounded soldiers

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that it has neglected military personnel wounded in action, describing the claims as misleading and inaccurate.

The military high command said that contrary to a viral video suggesting “lack of care and institutional indifference to the welfare of military personnel wounded in action,” the welfare of its personnel, particularly those injured during operations, remains a top moral priority.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 27, by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the DHQ said 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 Armed Forces of Nigeria routinely facilitates advanced treatment for critically wounded personnel in reputable medical facilities outside Nigeria where such care is required,” the statement said.

It added that within the country, wounded personnel are treated across the Armed Forces’ network of military hospitals and medical centres, with referrals to specialised civilian facilities where necessary, all at government expense. Medical evacuation, surgery, rehabilitation, prosthetics and long-term care, the DHQ said, form integral parts of the system.

The statement further noted that personnel whose injuries prevent them from continuing in service are supported through favourable discharge and medical boarding conditions, including access to pensions, gratuities and other statutory benefits.

“In addition, families of personnel killed in action are not abandoned. They are supported through death benefits, insurance payouts, pensions, educational support initiatives for dependants, and continuous engagement by military authorities,” the DHQ said.

Beyond medical treatment, the DHQ said wounded personnel also benefit from structured welfare support, including rehabilitation programmes, counselling, family support mechanisms and sustained command oversight.

The military said the soldiers featured in the viral video were themselves evidence of the Armed Forces’ efforts to rehabilitate wounded personnel, noting that they were living proof that injured soldiers are cared for. It described claims that “nobody cares” about wounded or fallen soldiers as inaccurate and unfair.

“It suffices to mention that they serve as a courageous testimony to the great sacrifices made by personnel who continue to serve the nation in spite of the loss of many colleagues to death and injury in the course of the noble profession of arms,” the statement said.

The DHQ also pointed to Nigeria’s participation in the Invictus Games as further evidence of its commitment to the physical recovery, mental resilience and social reintegration of wounded personnel. It said the initiative has had a significant and lasting positive impact on morale, confidence 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 added.