Col. Nasiru Salami (retd), a 76-year-old Nigerian Civil War veteran, has openly criticized the poor treatment of retired soldiers in Nigeria, declaring that he would never encourage his children to join the Nigerian Army due to his personal experiences.
Salami made the emotional statement during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief while speaking on the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day on Wednesday, January 15.
Sharing his personal struggles, he described how the neglect faced by retired soldiers has deeply affected his perception of the military.
The veteran recounted his military journey, stating he enlisted in the Nigerian Army in October 1967 during the heat of the Nigerian Civil War. Just six weeks after his enlistment, he was deployed to the battlefield where he served for 11 months.
Tragically, during the war, he lost his right foot, which led to its amputation. Despite his severe injury, Salami bravely returned to the battlefield to continue serving his nation.
However, he expressed regret over the way he and other war veterans have been treated post-service.
“For now, I will never recommend any of my children to join the Nigerian Army,” Salami stated firmly. “I am their father, and they see me now, knowing my life isn’t what they expected. They would want me to be better, happier, and more fulfilled. How can I encourage them to join the army? I have two graduates, and I told them never to think of joining the army. If they must, maybe the Navy or the Air Force because I’ve heard they are treated better.”
Salami, who currently serves as the Secretary of the Nigerian Legion, Lagos Chapter, revealed that the Lagos branch alone has over 24,000 members, many of whom are facing similar challenges. He lamented that despite over five decades since the end of the Nigerian Civil War, the government had yet to pay him and other veterans their promised war bonuses and entitlements.
“We are asking for our war bonus. I retired in December 1983, and they promised us heaven and earth. They said we would get our war bonus, but to date, we have received nothing,” he said.
The retired colonel urged the government to honor its commitments and improve the welfare of retired military personnel, emphasizing that many veterans continue to suffer in silence without adequate support.
His appeal highlights the ongoing struggles of Nigerian war veterans who feel neglected despite their sacrifices for the nation.
Salami’s public outcry has sparked discussions on the treatment of military retirees in Nigeria, with many calling for systemic reforms to ensure better care and recognition for the nation’s heroes.