WELFARE OF MILITARY OFFICERS: HUMAN RIGHTS UNDER THE MILITARY JUSTICE SYSTEM

Abstract

The welfare of Nigerian military officers is a critical yet underexplored aspect of national security and human rights. While the Armed Forces play a vital role in maintaining territorial integrity and internal peace, the lived realities of personnel are often overshadowed by institutional neglect. This article examined the intersection of military welfare and human rights within Nigeria’s military justice system, highlighting systemic deficiencies in healthcare, housing, remuneration, mental health support, and legal protections. Despite their strategic importance, many officers endure poor living conditions, delayed salaries, and limited psychosocial services, especially in conflict zones like the North-East. These challenges undermine operational effectiveness and raise ethical concerns about the treatment of service members as rights-bearing citizens. The military justice system, governed by the Armed Forces Act, prioritizes institutional control over individual rights, lacking independent oversight, transparent disciplinary procedures, and adequate legal representation. This fosters a culture of impunity, where arbitrary detention and dismissal without due process are common. Internal grievance mechanisms are weak, whistleblowing is discouraged, and complaints are rarely investigated impartially. Welfare policies suffer from inconsistent implementation due to bureaucracy, corruption, and political interference, eroding trust within the ranks. The article calls for reforms including independent ombudsman offices, human rights education in military training, and revisions to the Armed Forces Act to ensure due process. By framing military welfare as a human rights issue, the study emphasizes that protecting those who protect the nation is both a moral and strategic necessity essential for strengthening the legitimacy and ethical capacity of Nigeria’s armed forces.