Our struggles after service – War veterans

As Nigeria marks Armed Forces Remembrance Day, honouring fallen heroes who paid the supreme price to preserve the nation’s unity, war veterans who served in various military operations have shared their post-retirement experiences and expectations from the government. Some of the veterans, who spoke to Daily Trust in separate interviews, appealed to the government not […]

As Nigeria marks Armed Forces Remembrance Day, honouring fallen heroes who paid the supreme price to preserve the nation’s unity, war veterans who served in various military operations have shared their post-retirement experiences and expectations from the government.

Some of the veterans, who spoke to Daily Trust in separate interviews, appealed to the government not to abandon them after years of service, stressing that they dedicated their youthful years to defending the country.

A retired Master Warrant Officer, Emmanuel Waniko, described government policy on post-retirement housing for military personnel as “non-existent.”

Waniko, who retired from the Nigerian Air Force in 2019 after 35 years of service, said he had since taken up farming.

“Life after retirement, especially in terms of housing, is zero. You fend for yourself. There is no government input in housing for retirees. Whatever you do is from your benefits,” he said.

He appealed to the federal government and military authorities to consider increasing veterans’ pensions and gratuity, citing the impact of inflation on retirees.

Waniko noted that there has been some improvement in healthcare services for veterans and commended the media for consistently amplifying their concerns.

He said the Military Pension Board’s electronic verification platform has eased the process of pension verification.

“The e-verification platform is very effective and stress-free. You can do it from the comfort of your home, and it will reflect at the headquarters of the Military Pension Board.

“That is far better than the former system, where retirees would travel and sometimes sleep there for up to a week,” he said.

However, he called for an upward review of pension and gratuity, noting that the removal of fuel subsidy had significantly increased the cost of living.

“Since fuel subsidy removal, the cost of goods and services has increased drastically, and it is no longer favourable to retirees. If something can be done in that area, it would really help,” he said.

Waniko also appealed for government support for retired personnel engaged in agriculture.

“If the government can help retirees who are willing to farm by subsidising farm implements such as tractors, it will be a great relief,” he said.

Another retired Master Warrant Officer, Magaji Abdullahi, who served in A Division, Maiduguri, decried the practice of ejecting retired officers from military barracks without adequate housing alternatives.

“Life after retirement is actually wonderful. After serving for 35 years, returning to civilian life is interesting, and I’m enjoying my retirement,” he said.

However, he noted that housing remains a major challenge for both serving and retired personnel.

“Considering the current living conditions in Nigeria, the government really needs to do more in the area of housing for retirees,” he said.

On welfare and healthcare, Abdullahi urged the government to sustain its support for veterans.

“We have NHIS, and after retirement, you register with the NHIS office and the government contributes its quota. It may not cover everything, but the government is trying,” he said.

He, however, noted that some essential drugs are not covered under the scheme, forcing retirees to pay out of pocket.

“Since the government has agreed to take care of our medical needs, more drugs should be included. Still, we cannot say the government is not trying; it is making efforts for veterans,” he added.

Abdullahi also praised the introduction of electronic pension verification, describing it as a major relief for retirees.

“Travelling by road is now dangerous. The electronic verification really helped many of us. Some of us completed it while in our villages,” he said.

Similarly, a retired Warrant Officer, Muhammed Aliyu, lamented the lack of permanent housing for retired military personnel who had sacrificed for the nation.

Other veterans also questioned why comprehensive policies have not been introduced to provide permanent housing for retired officers.

Meanwhile, the Centre for Wounded Servicemen and Fallen Heroes Supports Fund has urged retired officers not to lose hope, assuring them that their sacrifices will not be in vain.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Fund, retired General Cecil Esekhiagbe, alongside board members and management staff, paid glowing tributes to the veterans, describing their service as “selfless.”

According to him, their courage secured Nigeria’s freedom, safeguarded its future, and ensured that the memory of those who paid the supreme price would endure.

“Their blood was not shed in vain. Their courage remains the foundation upon which Nigeria’s peace, unity and future are built,” he said.

He added that the Centre remains committed to advocating for wounded servicemen and families of fallen heroes.

“The Centre stands resolute in its mandate to support and uplift wounded servicemen and families of fallen heroes, ensuring that their welfare remains a national priority and that their sacrifices are honoured not just in words, but through sustained action,” he said.

 

Govs seek support for armed forces

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, at the event in Gusau, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting military operations across the state.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Nakwada, described the fallen heroes as patriots who paid the supreme price in defence of Nigeria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Nakwada noted that Zamfara had endured serious security challenges, including banditry and terrorism, stressing that security personnel continued to serve with dedication despite personal risks.

He assured the armed forces of the state government’s unwavering support and cooperation in restoring lasting peace.

The Gombe State Government has donated N6 million to the Nigerian Legion to support veterans, widows and orphans of fallen heroes.

Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau at the event in Gombe, said the funds had already been transferred to the Legion’s account and urged transparency in its utilisation, while also announcing a personal donation of N2 million.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in Gombe, MWO Umar Buba Modibbo (Rtd), said the state had over 1,000 widows of fallen heroes and more than 500 able-bodied veterans.

He disclosed that the Legion’s national headquarters had approved the establishment of the Corps of Commissionaires to further strengthen security efforts in the state.

Also, the Kebbi State Government donated N50 million to the Nigerian Legion, alongside contributions from officials, security agencies and traditional institutions.

The state governor, Nasir Idris, assured families of fallen heroes that their loved ones did not die in vain. He said the sacrifices of the armed forces secured the peace and freedom Nigerians enjoy today, pledging sustained welfare programmes for veterans and their dependents.

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, said the sacrifices of fallen heroes must continue to inspire national cohesion, stressing that a united and indivisible Nigeria was the highest tribute to those who gave their lives.

He commended the armed forces for their commitment to protecting lives and property and called for sustained support for families of fallen soldiers.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, urged serving personnel to remain committed to their duties, describing fallen heroes as patriots who laid down their lives for Nigeria’s continued existence.    

He stressed the need for collective responsibility in supporting the military and security agencies.

Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the Military Widows Association, Umar Sheriffat, appealed for sustained government support and empowerment for widows. A retired army officer, Major Joe Koma, called for improved welfare and pension review for military retirees.

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, urged Nigerians not to forget the sacrifices of fallen members of the armed forces, describing their selflessness as the foundation of national peace and unity.

Buni recalled Yobe’s experience during the Boko Haram insurgency, noting that the relative peace currently enjoyed was a result of community cooperation, intelligence sharing and the gallantry of security agencies.

He stressed that security remained a collective responsibility requiring citizens’ active participation.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, called on corporate organisations and private individuals to support the Nigerian Armed Forces through partnerships and contributions.

Governor Diri stressed the need for practical compassion for veterans and families of fallen heroes, urging stakeholders to ensure they are not forgotten.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to military welfare, citing the recent provision of residential accommodation for the Nigerian Army in Elebele.

 

Legion to support military veteran farmers with subsidised inputs

The leadership of the Nigerian Legion has begun engagement with the Ministry of Agriculture to secure subsidised farm inputs and implements for military veterans who are engaged in agriculture.

The military veterans’ organisation told reporters in Abuja that the Legion had formally applied for access to fertilisers, agro-chemicals and farming implements to ease production costs for veterans involved in agriculture.

Mrs Grace Henry, the National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, disclosed this on the sidelines of a medical outreach organised in commemoration of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

Henry said discussions were ongoing with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to provide subsidised farm inputs.

“We have applied, and discussions are ongoing. Farming is a key area we are advocating for, and we are hopeful of positive outcomes,” Henry said.