Colonel Nasiru Salami (retd.), a 76-year-old military veteran, has expressed grave concerns about the mistreatment of Nigerian Army retirees by military authorities. Appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief program to commemorate the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the retired officer recounted his struggles with unpaid pensions and other unfulfilled promises made to veterans like him.

Unpaid War Bonuses and Neglected Promises

Colonel Salami revealed that many Nigerian Civil War veterans have yet to receive the war bonuses they were promised decades ago. Reflecting on his own experience, he stated, “We are asking for a war bonus, those of us who fought the war. I retired in December 1983, and they promised us heaven and earth, including our war bonus, but up till now, we have not seen it.”

The septuagenarian appealed to the government to fulfill its promises and improve the welfare of retired soldiers who risked their lives for the nation’s unity. According to him, the Nigerian Legion in Lagos has over 24,000 members, many of whom share similar grievances over unpaid entitlements, despite their sacrifices during the Nigerian Civil War over 50 years ago.

A Disheartened Father’s Perspective

Given his experiences, Colonel Salami expressed deep reservations about encouraging his children to join the Nigerian Army. He admitted, “For now, I will never recommend any of my children to join the Nigerian Army. I am their father, and they are seeing me now that my life is not to their expectation. They would want me to be higher than this, full of joy and other things that would make them happy. How would I now encourage them to join the army?”

Salami, who has two graduate children, emphasized that he has actively discouraged them from considering a career in the army. Instead, he suggested other branches of the armed forces, such as the Navy or the Air Force, which he perceives to offer better treatment to their personnel. “If you want to join, maybe the Navy or the Air Force. I’ve not been there, but I’ve been seeing them and hearing about them because they are treated better,” he advised.

Recollections of Military Service

During the interview, Salami took a poignant trip down memory lane, chronicling his military career from enlistment to the battlefield. He joined the Nigerian Army in October 1967 and, after only six weeks of training, was deployed to fight in the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafra War.

For 11 months, Salami was actively engaged on the battlefield between 1967 and 1970, enduring the harsh realities of war. He recounted a particularly harrowing moment when he suffered a severe injury that almost cost him his right foot. To save the limb, plastic materials were implanted into his foot, allowing him to regain partial mobility. Despite the pain and trauma, Salami returned to the frontlines to continue fighting, showcasing unwavering dedication to his country.

Advocacy for Retiree Welfare

Now serving as the Secretary of the Nigerian Legion, Lagos Chapter, Colonel Salami continues to advocate for improved welfare for military retirees. His story highlights the broader challenges faced by Nigerian veterans who, after giving their best years in service to the nation, are left to struggle with neglect and unfulfilled promises.

Salami’s plight underscores the urgent need for the government to address the welfare issues of veterans, ensuring they receive the respect and support they deserve. As he and countless others wait for their entitlements, their sacrifices remain a sobering reminder of the price of national unity and the importance of honoring those who fought for it.