DHQ rejects allegations of neglecting wounded soldiers

The Defence Headquarters has dismissed claims circulating in a video by content creator, Lucky Udu Studio, alleging neglect and indifference toward Nigerian military personnel wounded in action.

In a statement signed on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the DHQ said the video presents misleading impressions that do not reflect reality.

The denial follows the video circulating on social media, which features interviews with injured soldiers and has sparked widespread discussion on the welfare of Nigeria’s armed forces.

The video shows Udu interacting with a group of soldiers with varying injuries, many wearing t-shirts labelled “Wounded in Action Soldiers” and displaying prosthetic limbs.

Soldiers recounted their injuries from encounters with Boko Haram and bandit groups, with one reportedly shot by an anti-aircraft machine gun.

Speaking in the video, Udu criticised the level of support, stating, “Their welfare is not even taken seriously. They’ve been abandoned and left to care for themselves. And you expect people to join the Nigerian military.”

But the DHQ dismissed the claims, stating that the welfare of wounded personnel remains a “top moral priority” for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The statement read, “The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a video circulating on social media making a number of claims and insinuations regarding the welfare of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wounded in action.

“While the AFN respects the right of citizens to express concerns, it is important to correct misleading impressions and place verifiable facts on record.”

Uba explained, “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 under established Armed Forces medical policies.

This care is provided both locally and abroad, depending on the nature and severity of injuries. The AFN routinely facilitates advanced treatment for critically wounded personnel in reputable medical facilities outside Nigeria where such care is required.”

Within Nigeria, he added, wounded personnel receive treatment across military hospitals and medical centres, with referrals to specialised civilian facilities where necessary.

He said medical evacuation, surgery, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and long-term care are integral parts of the support framework

Uba also highlighted that personnel whose injuries prevent further service are entitled to favourable discharge, 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,” he said.

He added, “The insinuation that ‘nobody cares’ about injured or fallen soldiers is inaccurate and unfair.

“Beyond medical treatment, wounded personnel benefit from structured welfare support, including rehabilitation programmes, counselling, family support mechanisms and sustained command oversight.”

The Major General cited the participation of injured soldiers in Nigeria’s delegation to the Invictus Games—a global sports recovery and rehabilitation platform—as evidence of the AFN’s commitment to their physical recovery, mental resilience, and social reintegration.

While acknowledging that welfare systems require continuous improvement, the DHQ warned against sweeping generalisations, saying they undermine the work of professionals within the AFN and could discourage young Nigerians considering a military career.

“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.

Culled from punch