The Nigerian Army has voiced its concern over the low number of youths from the South-East region applying for military service. This trend has been persistent, with Enugu State, for instance, struggling to meet its recruitment quota. In the ongoing 2025 recruitment exercise, Enugu State has only managed to gather about 100 applications out of 200 slots allocated, a stark contrast to states like Kaduna, which has received over 3,000 applications.
Brigadier-General Chima Ekeator, leader of the 2025 Army Recruitment Enlightenment Team, emphasized that the South-East is losing out on opportunities due to this poor turnout. He urged youths to apply in large numbers to fill their quotas, dispelling rumors that South-Easterners are disproportionately sent to the frontlines. Ekeator highlighted that individuals from the region hold strategic positions within the Army, citing examples like Chibueze Ogbuabor, a top commander in charge of equipment.
The reluctance among South-East youths to join the military is attributed to various factors, including historical grievances and ongoing separatist sentiments. Some groups, like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have discouraged youths from joining, alleging ethnic bias in military deployments. However, despite these challenges, over 10,000 youths from the South-East have defied such warnings and applied for recruitment, demonstrating a significant level of patriotism. The Army continues to encourage more youths to participate, emphasizing the benefits of military service and the need for representation from all regions.
South-East Youths Shun Military Recruitment, Army Expresses Concern
