Retired civil war veteran Colonel Nasiru Salami has criticized the Nigerian Army’s treatment of its retirees, describing it as deeply inadequate. Salami, now 76 and serving as Secretary of the Nigerian Legion, Lagos Chapter, expressed his frustrations during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief in commemoration of the 2025 Armed Forces’ Remembrance Day.
Reflecting on his military career, Salami recounted his enlistment into the Nigerian Army in October 1967, just six weeks before being sent to the battlefield during the Biafra war. “I was on the battlefield for 11 months between 1967 and 1970,” he shared.
The septuagenarian recalled a particularly harrowing chapter of his service—losing his right foot during the war, which led to an amputation. Despite the injury, Salami returned to the frontline to continue serving his country.
A Father’s Warning
Salami revealed that his experiences in the Nigerian Army and the neglect faced by retirees have influenced his decision to discourage his children from joining the military.
“For now, I will never recommend any of my children to join the Nigerian Army,” he said. “They see me now, and my life is not what they expected. They want me to be full of joy and other things that would make them happy. How would I encourage them to join the Army?”
Instead, Salami advised his children to consider other branches of the armed forces. “If you want to join, maybe the Navy or the Air Force. I’ve not been there, but I’ve heard they are treated better,” he explained.
Neglect of Veterans
Salami also highlighted the dire conditions faced by members of the Nigerian Legion in Lagos, which has over 24,000 members. He lamented that he and other civil war veterans are yet to receive the war bonuses promised over 50 years ago.
“We are asking for war bonuses, those of us who fought the war. I retired in December 1983, and they promised us heaven and earth. They said we would be given our war bonuses, but up till now, we have not seen it,” he said.
Additionally, Salami complained about unpaid pensions and other post-retirement entitlements, urging the government to improve the welfare of veterans. “Our sacrifices should not be forgotten. The government must fulfill its promises and ensure our wellbeing,” he appealed.
Call for Reforms
Salami’s account serves as a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by Nigerian soldiers and the challenges faced by veterans. His plea for better welfare underscores the urgent need for reforms in the treatment of retired military personnel, ensuring they receive the recognition and support they deserve.
