Two unidentified personnel from the Nigerian Navy and Air Force collapsed on Wednesday during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Owerri, Imo State.
These individuals were part of the Guards of Honour in the parade, which is a central feature of the annual event that honors the contributions and sacrifices of the armed forces.
The incident occurred during the commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Week, which aims to pay tribute to the fallen heroes who have served in the Nigerian military. The collapse of the two personnel raised concerns among onlookers about the physical demands placed on military personnel during such ceremonies.
In a related development, Colonel Nasiru Salami, a retired civil war veteran, spoke out about the inadequate treatment of retired personnel by the Nigerian military leadership. Appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief program earlier today, Salami expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs for retired soldiers.
At 76 years old, Salami shared his personal account of serving in the Nigerian Army during the Biafra War, beginning with his enlistment in 1967 and his deployment just six weeks after training. Serving as the Secretary of the Nigerian Legion in Lagos, Salami reflected on the hardships faced by soldiers, particularly those who served in the civil war, which lasted from 1967 to 1970.
Salami recounted the harrowing experience of losing his right foot during the conflict, a wound that required amputation. Despite this traumatic injury, he returned to the battlefield to continue serving his country. However, he expressed regret over the treatment of veterans, noting that many are left to struggle after their service ends.
Reflecting on the current state of military service, Salami stated that he would not advise any of his children to join the Nigerian Army, citing the inadequate support and recognition for retired personnel. “At this moment, I cannot recommend that any of my children join the Nigerian Army,” he said, underscoring his concerns about the lack of proper care and respect for soldiers after they leave active duty.
Salami’s comments serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel, not only during their service but also in the years that follow. His call for better treatment of veterans highlights a broader issue within the military and the government’s handling of the welfare of former servicemen and women.
