The Nigerian Army has urged widows and next-of-kin of fallen soldiers with unresolved welfare claims to come forward with verifiable information.

This, according to the service, was in a bid to address concerns raised over alleged neglect, bribery, and sexual harassment in the processing of death benefits.

The appeal follows a publication by Sunday PUNCH on May 18, 2025, which accused the Army of neglecting widows and alleged incidents of sexual harassment and extortion during benefit processing.

Reacting to the allegations in a statement on Sunday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army described the reports as “disturbing” and said they do not reflect the institution’s established welfare policies for families of deceased personnel.

“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, with the identity of the deceased personnel involved, so that the appropriate records can be checked and any legitimate concern(s) addressed accordingly.”

The Army further noted that these benefits are systematically disbursed once the due documentation and verification processes are completed.

“Contrary to the claims of neglect, the Nigerian Army has institutionalized a robust welfare system that provides death benefits to the next-of-kin of deceased personnel. These benefits include the Gratuity paid by the Military Pension Board, while the Nigerian Army pays for the burial expenses, COAS financial support, and Group Personnel Accident Insurance.

“Others are the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme, Benevolent Funds, Group Life Insurance, and death gratuity. It also facilitates the withdrawal of the late personnel’s contribution from the Federal Housing Scheme and renders the same to the NOK.”

On the allegations of sexual harassment and bribery, the Army said no formal complaints had been received through its Human Rights Desks or other investigative channels.

“On the allegations of sexual harassment in the course of processing deceased personnel’s benefits, it is important to state that the Nigerian Army takes all allegations of sexual harassment or extortion very seriously. However, no formal complaints have been received through its Human Rights Desks or investigative channels as at the time of this response.

“Anyone with credible evidence is strongly encouraged to report such misconduct through established complaint mechanisms to enable prompt disciplinary action. The Army remains firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and zero.

“Anyone with credible evidence is strongly encouraged to report such misconduct through established complaint mechanisms to enable prompt disciplinary action.”

While expressing sympathy with the emotional and socioeconomic challenges faced by widows of fallen soldiers, the Army emphasized the need for claimants to engage formally and provide details such as the identity of the deceased personnel and the specific benefits allegedly withheld.

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

punch