By Gabriel Ameh
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims circulating in a viral video produced by Lucky Udu Studio, which alleged neglect and institutional indifference towards members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wounded in action.
This was contained in statement signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information on Tuesday 28, 2026.
According to the statement, the DHQ said while it respects the right of citizens to express concerns, the claims presented in the video were misleading and did not reflect the verifiable realities of welfare provisions for injured military personnel.
According to the DHQ, the welfare of Nigerian troops particularly those wounded during operations remains a top moral and institutional priority of the Armed Forces. All personnel injured in combat are entitled to comprehensive medical care under established Armed Forces medical policies, with treatment provided either within Nigeria or abroad, depending on the severity of injuries.
The statement noted that critically wounded personnel are routinely evacuated to reputable foreign medical facilities where advanced care is required. Within the country, injured troops receive treatment across the Armed Forces’ network of military hospitals and medical centres, supplemented where necessary by referrals to specialised civilian hospitals at government expense.
Medical evacuation, surgical intervention, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and long-term care, the DHQ said, are integral components of the Armed Forces’ medical support framework.
The Defence Headquarters further explained that personnel whose injuries prevent them from continuing active service are placed under favourable medical boarding and discharge conditions, ensuring access to pensions, gratuities, and other statutory benefits in line with existing regulations. Families of personnel killed in action are also supported through death benefits, insurance payouts, pensions, educational assistance for dependants, and sustained engagement by military authorities.
The DHQ described as inaccurate and unfair the insinuation that injured or fallen soldiers are abandoned, stressing that beyond medical treatment, wounded personnel benefit from structured welfare programmes including counselling, rehabilitation, family support systems, and continuous command oversight.
It also pointed out that the individuals featured in the video are themselves evidence of the AFN’s rehabilitation efforts, describing them as living testimonies to the sacrifices made by troops who continue to serve the nation despite injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Highlighting Nigeria’s participation in the Invictus Games, the DHQ said the country’s involvement in the global sporting initiative for wounded and injured service personnel underscores the Armed Forces’ commitment to physical recovery, mental resilience, and social reintegration of its wounded heroes.
While acknowledging the need for continuous improvement in welfare systems, the Defence Headquarters said constructive feedback is welcome but warned that sweeping and unsubstantiated allegations of neglect undermine the efforts of professionals working daily to care for wounded personnel. Such narratives, it added, could also discourage young Nigerians considering careers in the Armed Forces.
The DHQ reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare and dignity of the men and women who risk their lives in defence of the nation.
