Veteran’s Heartfelt Warning: Why I Won’t Push My Kids to Join the Army
On the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, 76-year-old civil war veteran, Salami, shared his poignant military journey during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. Enlisting in October 1967, Salami’s military service took him directly to the battlefield in the Biafra war after just six weeks of training.
Now serving as the Secretary of the Nigerian Legion, Lagos Chapter, Salami reflected on his 11-month stint in the Nigerian Army during the 1967-1970 Civil War, recounting the brutal realities of the conflict. He shared the heartbreaking story of how he lost his right foot, which had to be amputated, but despite the immense pain, he returned to the front lines to continue his service.
76-Year-Old Nigerian Legion Secretary Recalls Painful Loss and Heroic Service in Civil War
Salami’s emotional testimony included his harrowing experience of returning to combat after losing his foot. “I lost my right foot during the war, but I went back to the battlefield to continue fighting,” he said. His courage in the face of adversity highlights the sacrifices made by the men and women who served in the civil war.
Veteran Exposes Unpaid War Bonuses, Pension Struggles After 50 Years of Service
Despite decades of service, Salami revealed the long-standing issues veterans face with compensation. The Nigerian government has yet to pay him or any of his fellow civil war survivors their promised war bonuses, despite their service ending over 50 years ago. Salami, who retired in 1983, also expressed dissatisfaction with his unpaid pension and other post-retirement benefits. “We are asking for the war bonus that was promised to us. They told us we would get it, but after 50 years, we are still waiting,” he said, urging the government to honor its commitments to those who fought for the country’s unity.
“I Won’t Encourage My Children to Join the Army”—Veteran Shares Heartfelt Message
In a deeply personal reflection, Salami stated that he would not encourage his children to follow in his footsteps and join the army. “For now, I will never recommend any of my children to join the Nigerian Army,” he said. He explained that his children have witnessed the struggles he faces in retirement and would want a better life for themselves. Salami even suggested that if his children were to pursue a military career, it should be in the Navy or Air Force, as they are better treated.
Salami also highlighted the Nigerian Legion’s efforts to advocate for veterans, with over 24,000 members in Lagos alone, seeking better welfare and recognition for their service to the nation.
