The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports purporting it neglects widows of fallen soldiers.
The allegation that has gone viral via the social media and newspaper publications on Sunday, May 18 2025, also draws attention to “sexual harassment and bribery during the processing of death benefits”.
Reacting to the reports in a statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele on Sunday, the Nigerian Army expresses concern over the development stating that it recognizes the emotional and socioeconomic challenges faced by the families whenever their breadwinners pass on.
The NA however frowns at the publication, describing it as “disturbing”, and deemed it necessary to address and clarify the issues raised.
The Army however noted that no formal complaints have been received through its Human Rights Desks or investigative channels as at the time of this response.
“Contrary to the claims of neglect, the Nigerian Army has institutionalized a robust welfare system that provides death benefits to the next-of-kin (NOK) of deceased personnel”, said the NA in the statement, adding, “These benefits include the Gratuity paid by Military Pension Board while the Nigerian Army pays for the burial expenses, COAS financial support and Group Personnel Accident Insurance.
“Others are the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme (NAWIS), Benevolent Funds, Group Life Insurance and death gratuity. It also facilitates the withdrawal of the late personnel’s contribution from the Federal Housing Scheme and render same to the NOK. These schemes are systematically disbursed to widows and NOK upon completion of due documentation and verification.
“In addition to the highlighted financial benefits, the Nigerian Army runs a robust scholarship program for the children of deceased personnel. This program supports beneficiaries up to the tertiary education level. This simply reinforces the Nigerian Army’s ongoing commitment to the long-term welfare of fallen soldiers’ families.
“Nonetheless, Nigerian Army requests the individual(s) making these allegations to kindly come forward with facts specifying details of the benefit(s) that have not been received with the identity of the deceased personnel involved, so that the appropriate records can be checked and any legitimate concern(s) addressed accordingly. Without concrete details or formal complaints submitted through official channels, it is challenging to verify or resolve any case effectively if any.
On sexual harassment allegations in the course of processing deceased personnel’s benefits, the NA emphasised that it takes all allegations of sexual harassment or extortion very seriously.
