The Nigerian Army has called on widows and next-of-kin of fallen soldiers with unresolved welfare claims to present verifiable details, in a renewed effort to address concerns of alleged neglect, extortion, and sexual harassment in the processing of death benefits.

The appeal, issued in a statement on Sunday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, follows a recent media report published on May 18, 2025, accusing the Army of abandoning bereaved families and failing to properly process entitlements. The report also contained troubling allegations of bribery and sexual exploitation in the benefits processing chain.

Describing the allegations as “disturbing,” the Army said they do not reflect its institutional commitment to the welfare of deceased personnel’s families.

“The Nigerian Army requests the individual(s) making these allegations to kindly come forward with facts, specifying details of the benefit(s) that have not been received and the identity of the deceased personnel involved, so that appropriate records can be checked and any legitimate concerns addressed accordingly,” the statement read.

The Army emphasized that its benefit disbursement process is systematic and governed by due diligence protocols. It listed several statutory support packages available to bereaved families, including:

  • Gratuity payments via the Military Pension Board
  • Burial expenses and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) financial support
  • Group Personnel Accident Insurance
  • Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme
  • Benevolent Funds
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Death Gratuity
  • Facilitation of Federal Housing Scheme withdrawals

Responding specifically to allegations of sexual harassment and bribery, the Army stated that no formal complaints had been submitted through its Human Rights Desks or any of its investigative channels. However, it reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct.

“The Nigerian Army takes all allegations of sexual harassment or extortion very seriously,” the statement noted. “Anyone with credible evidence is strongly encouraged to report such misconduct through established complaint mechanisms to enable prompt disciplinary action.”

While acknowledging the emotional and socioeconomic burdens faced by widows and next-of-kin, the Army stressed the importance of formal engagement for effective redress.

“Without concrete details or formal complaints, it is challenging to verify or resolve any case effectively,” the statement concluded.

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