A viral video circulating on social media has sparked widespread concern, showing retired Nigerian military officers struggling to get food during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held on January 15 in Abuja.
The footage, recorded after the official ceremony, captured elderly veterans scrambling to collect small portions of food wrapped in nylon, a scene many Nigerians have described as disturbing and heartbreaking.
WHAT HAPPENED
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) ceremony took place at the Cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier, Eagle Square, with Vice President Kashim Shettima leading the proceedings.
The Vice President represented President Bola Tinubu, who was away in the United Arab Emirates, attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026.
While the event was meant to honour military sacrifice, the post-ceremony scenes shifted public attention to the welfare of those who once served the nation.
WATCH THE VIDEO
WHY THE EVENT MATTERS
The AFCRD is an annual programme organised by the Ministry of Defence to honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes, including personnel who lost their lives during:
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The First and Second World Wars
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The Nigerian Civil War
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Peacekeeping missions
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Internal security operations, especially the fight against terrorism
Beyond remembrance, the event is also designed to:
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Celebrate living veterans
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Raise financial and moral support for their welfare
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Support families of fallen service members
Nigeria’s retired military personnel have long raised concerns about:
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Delayed pensions
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Poor access to healthcare
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Inadequate welfare support
The video has reopened public debate about how the country treats those who defended its unity and security, particularly in the face of rising economic hardship.
PUBLIC REACTION
The video triggered strong reactions online, with many Nigerians lamenting:
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The level of hunger in the country
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The apparent neglect of military veterans
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The contrast between ceremonial honours and real-life conditions
Several commentators described the incident as symbolic of deeper systemic issues affecting retirees and vulnerable citizens.
