Centre Dismisses Viral Video Claiming Military Abandons Wounded Servicemen as Malicious Fabrication
The Centre for Wounded Servicemen and Fallen Heroes Supports Fund (CFWS&FHSF) has firmly rejected a viral social media video alleging that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and Nigerian Armed Forces have abandoned wounded servicemen, describing the claims as baseless and deliberately misleading.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Ezekiel Adi, the Centre labelled the video a malicious fabrication intended to damage the military's image and erode public trust in Nigeria's security apparatus.
The organisation warned that the spread of such deliberate misinformation could demoralise frontline troops and fracture national unity at a critical time.
"The Nigerian Military does not abandon its wounded," the statement asserted categorically.
As the legally recognised entity tasked with supporting, monitoring, and advocating for wounded servicemen and families of fallen heroes, CFWS&FHSF said it maintains close collaboration with military authorities and medical facilities nationwide. This positions the Centre with direct, firsthand knowledge of the actual care provided.
"At no time have we observed the systemic neglect falsely portrayed in the viral content," it stated.
The Centre confirmed that injured personnel continue to receive prompt and comprehensive medical treatment, rehabilitation services, and ongoing welfare support. It emphasised the Defence Headquarters' steadfast commitment to the wellbeing of wounded troops, backed by active oversight from the Chief of Defence Staff and broader military leadership.
CFWS&FHSF particularly commended the current Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, under whose leadership care for wounded personnel has been prioritised with renewed focus and compassion.
"It is irresponsible and unacceptable for unauthorised individuals to spread unverified stories about matters they neither understand nor have the legal authority to address," the statement added.
The organisation called on Nigerians, traditional and online media platforms, civil society groups, and social media users to immediately reject and cease circulating the misleading video. It stressed that such falsehoods ultimately serve interests aimed at weakening the armed forces and national resolve.
"Our wounded heroes do not need propaganda or pity. They need support. They need solidarity," CFWS&FHSF declared.
The Centre urged citizens to direct genuine assistance for wounded servicemen and bereaved families through official channels like itself, which remains the dedicated platform for their welfare advocacy.
"Let us honour their sacrifices with truth — not lies. Let us uplift their morale — not destroy it. Let us stand with our military — always," the statement concluded.
This rebuttal aligns with the Defence Headquarters' recent dismissal of similar viral claims regarding troop welfare. DHQ statements have consistently described such videos as false, exaggerated, or diversionary, while reaffirming structured medical evacuation, treatment, rehabilitation, and compensation systems for personnel injured in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country.
The development highlights continued efforts to safeguard troop morale and counter disinformation amid Nigeria's ongoing security challenges.
