Prosper Okoye
A video showing retired Nigerian military personnel struggling to collect food during an official ceremony in Abuja has gone viral, prompting renewed debate about conditions of service and post-retirement welfare in the armed forces.
The footage was recorded on Thursday during events marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance and Celebration Day. It shows several elderly men, identified as retired soldiers, jostling for food items distributed at the venue.
In a brief interview included in the video, one veteran, who did not give his name, spoke about the difficulties faced by retirees.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“We are just managing, because the things they were supposed to give us are not coming,” he said.
Online Backlash and Recruitment Debate
The video has fuelled online criticism and reignited conversations about why many young Nigerians are reluctant to enlist in the military.
Some social media users also linked the footage to recent comments by Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, who had urged young people in the state to consider careers in the armed forces.
“These are the veterans from the services you are asking your people to join,” one user wrote in a widely shared post.
Presidential Response
Amid the public reaction, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of serving and retired military personnel.
In a statement issued to mark the remembrance day, the president said Nigeria would never forget the sacrifices of its armed forces, especially those who lost their lives in service.
“On this Armed Forces Remembrance and Celebration Day, Nigeria pauses to honour its heroes,” Mr Tinubu said. “A nation that forgets its fallen heroes loses its direction; Nigeria, however, remembers.”
The president, who was attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Summit in the United Arab Emirates, also addressed families of fallen soldiers, describing their loss as profound.
“As President and Commander-in-Chief, I reaffirm my commitment to the welfare and dignity of our Armed Forces,” he said. “A secure Nigeria stands behind those who defend it.”
Military Assurances
The federal government also restated its support for the armed forces at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day regimental dinner held in Abuja.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, described the occasion as more than a ceremonial observance, saying it reflected the values, heritage and spirit of the Nigerian military.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, the minister praised troops for their courage and professionalism in responding to what he described as complex and evolving security challenges.
“The peace and security enjoyed by the nation today are products of their vigilance, sacrifice and unwavering dedication,” the statement said.
Political Reactions
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar also paid tribute to fallen soldiers, saying their selflessness and patriotism had secured Nigeria’s freedom.
Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, said the sacrifices of fallen soldiers should serve as a reminder of the nation’s duty to promote peace and progress.
“A soldier’s true grave is not in the earth, but in the hearts and minds of those they protected,” Mr Obi said in a message posted on X.
Criticism of President’s Absence
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticised President Tinubu’s absence from the main remembrance ceremonies, describing it as troubling at a time of widespread insecurity.
In a statement by its national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the presence of the commander-in-chief carried symbolic importance for troops and military families.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually to honour members of the Nigerian military who died in active service, as well as veterans and those currently serving.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
