The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed allegations that the Nigerian military neglects soldiers wounded in action, describing a viral video making the claims as misleading and inaccurate.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the video by content creator Lucky Udu Studio gives a false impression of indifference toward injured personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

The video, which has circulated widely on social media, features interviews with soldiers wearing shirts labelled “Wounded in Action Soldiers,” some of whom displayed prosthetic limbs and recounted injuries sustained during operations against Boko Haram and bandit groups.

Uba said the portrayal does not reflect the reality of the military’s welfare system, stressing that wounded personnel receive comprehensive care and support.

According to him, soldiers whose injuries prevent further service are entitled to favourable discharge terms, including pensions, gratuities, and other statutory benefits. He added that families of personnel killed in action are also supported through death benefits, insurance payouts, pensions, educational support for dependants and continued engagement by military authorities.

“The insinuation that ‘nobody cares’ about injured or fallen soldiers is inaccurate and unfair,” Uba said.

He noted that beyond medical treatment, wounded personnel benefit from structured welfare support such as rehabilitation programmes, counselling, family support mechanisms, and sustained command oversight.

The DHQ also cited the participation of injured soldiers in the Invictus Games, an international sports recovery and rehabilitation event, as evidence of the military’s commitment to the physical recovery, mental resilience, and social reintegration of wounded troops.

While acknowledging that welfare systems require continuous improvement, the DHQ warned against sweeping generalisations, saying such narratives undermine the efforts of professionals within the AFN and could discourage young Nigerians from 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