Retired Nigerian Army Personnel Seen Struggling for Food at Armed Forces Remembrance Day Event in Abuja
A viral video circulating online has stirred nationwide concern after retired personnel of the Nigerian Army were seen struggling to collect food during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day event held in Abuja.
The footage, which has since gained widespread attention on social media, shows elderly retired soldiers — fully dressed in military kits — jostling to receive food items packaged in white nylon takeaway bags. The scene has drawn emotional reactions from Nigerians, many describing it as distressing and unbecoming of an event meant to honour those who served the nation.
Retired Soldier Reveals Years of Unpaid Entitlements
During the event, one of the retired soldiers was interviewed and offered insight into the hardship many of them currently face. Speaking calmly but with visible frustration, the elderly man said they are “just managing” because the payments and benefits they are entitled to as retired military personnel have not been given to them.
According to him, the issue of unpaid entitlements has dragged on for years. He disclosed that affected retirees have appeared several times on the Brekete Family programme, a well-known humanitarian platform where Nigerians often seek public intervention over unresolved grievances.
He further revealed that at one point, they were taken to the pension office and told to wait, as former President Muhammadu Buhari was expected to sign and approve their payments. However, he said no payment was made before the end of that administration.
Following the change in government, the retirees were reportedly told that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would sign and resolve the matter, but as of now, nothing has been paid, leaving many of them struggling to survive.
Event Meant to Honour Sacrifice Raises Welfare Concerns
Armed Forces Remembrance Day is traditionally observed to honour fallen heroes and appreciate the sacrifices of serving and retired members of Nigeria’s armed forces. However, the scenes from this year’s event have redirected public attention to the welfare conditions of some retired soldiers, especially those facing delays in pension and entitlement payments.
Many Nigerians online have questioned how men who once risked their lives for the country are now seen struggling for basic necessities during a ceremony organised in their honour.
Public Reactions and Calls for Intervention
The video has continued to spark conversations across social media platforms, with growing calls for the government and relevant military authorities to urgently address the welfare and pension issues affecting retired personnel.
As of the time of this report, no official statement has been released by the Nigerian Army or pension authorities regarding the claims made by the retired soldier in the video.
For many observers, the incident goes beyond the struggle for food — it highlights longstanding concerns about delayed entitlements, pension administration, and the treatment of retired military personnel in Nigeria.
