Retired Nigerian soldiers were seen scrambling for food at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Abuja, sparking outrage over veterans’ welfare and unpaid entitlements
Disturbing scenes emerged from the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) held on January 15 in Abuja, as videos showed retired Nigerian military personnel struggling to access food at the national event.
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Footage circulating on social media captured elderly ex-soldiers scrambling for meals during the ceremony, which was attended by senior government officials and top defence chiefs.
The images triggered widespread public criticism, with many Nigerians describing the situation as a painful irony at an event meant to honour the sacrifices of fallen heroes and veterans.
Observers questioned how retired personnel, who once served the nation, could be left struggling for basic sustenance at a national remembrance ceremony.
The incident has renewed attention on the welfare of military veterans across the country.
Beyond the food scuffle, retired soldiers used the occasion to voice deeper grievances over unpaid statutory entitlements.
These include the non-payment of Security Debarment Allowance (SDA), outstanding gratuities, and salary shortfalls that have persisted for years.
Widows of fallen service members also lamented neglect and abandonment, citing delayed insurance payments and the rising cost of living as major challenges affecting their survival.
Some said the hardship had worsened despite repeated government assurances to improve veterans’ welfare.
Veterans at the event called for urgent reforms, including the passage of the Veterans’ Federation of Nigeria (VFN) Bill, which they say would provide a proper legal framework for managing veterans’ affairs and ensuring timely access to benefits.
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The scenes from the 2026 AFCRD have reignited public debate over how Nigeria treats its retired military personnel, with many Nigerians urging the government to move beyond ceremonial gestures and address the structural issues affecting veterans’ welfare.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
