Acting Director, Army Public Relations
The Nigerian Army has called on widows and next-of-kin of deceased soldiers who are yet to receive their welfare entitlements to come forward with accurate and verifiable details to enable proper follow-up.
This call comes in response to a report published on May 18, 2025, which alleged that widows were being neglected and subjected to bribery and sexual harassment while trying to access death benefits.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, described the allegations as “disturbing,” asserting that they do not reflect the values or procedures of the institution.
“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,” the Army said.
Lt.-Col. Anele explained that benefit disbursements are processed systematically once the required documentation and verification are completed.
She emphasized that the Army has in place a structured welfare framework for the families of fallen personnel.
“Contrary to the claims of neglect, the Nigerian Army has institutionalized a robust welfare system that provides death benefits to the next-of-kin of deceased personnel.”
“These benefits include the Gratuity paid by the Military Pension Board, while the Nigerian Army pays for the burial expenses, COAS financial support, and Group Personnel Accident Insurance,” she noted.
She added that the welfare support extends further.
“Others are the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme, 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 renders the same to the NOK.”
Regarding the serious allegations of sexual harassment and extortion, the Army clarified that no official reports had been submitted through its established complaint platforms.
“On the allegations of sexual harassment in the course of processing deceased personnel’s benefits, it is important to state that the Nigerian Army takes all allegations of sexual harassment or extortion very seriously.
However, no formal complaints have been received through its Human Rights Desks or investigative channels as at the time of this response,” the Army said.
It further urged individuals with verifiable evidence to report such misconduct through formal channels.
“Anyone with credible evidence is strongly encouraged to report such misconduct through established complaint mechanisms to enable prompt disciplinary action,” the statement added.
Reiterating its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Army expressed empathy toward the widows and families dealing with the loss of their loved ones.
“Without concrete details or formal complaints, it is challenging to verify or resolve any case effectively,” it concluded.
