The Nigerian Army has expressed growing concern over what it described as persistently low enlistment levels from the South-East region in its ongoing recruitment exercise, warning that the trend could further limit the region’s representation within the military.
This concern was highlighted during a sensitisation programme held at the Anambra State Ministry of Youths office in Awka, where military officials engaged stakeholders and youths on the importance of participating in the recruitment process.
Leading the Army delegation, Uche Nnabuihe disclosed that as of April 7, only 117 applicants from Anambra State had registered out of over 38,000 applications received nationwide. He described the figure as alarmingly low, especially considering the state’s population and the broader need for balanced regional representation in the armed forces.
According to him, the data was compiled before the launch of a nationwide awareness campaign for the 91 Regular Recruits Intake, an initiative designed to increase participation across all regions, particularly in areas where enlistment has historically been weak.
The development reflects a continuing pattern. In April 2025, the Army had raised similar concerns about the low turnout of applicants from the South-East. At the time, members of the military recruitment enlightenment team noted that the region was consistently underrepresented in application figures relative to allocated quotas.
Chima Ekeator, who led the 2025 enlightenment team, had previously warned that the South-East risked losing opportunities due to poor participation. Speaking at a town hall meeting in Enugu, he revealed that although about 200 recruitment slots were allocated to the region, fewer than 100 applications were submitted.
“Our people are gradually losing what rightfully belongs to them,” Ekeator had stated, attributing the shortfall to a lack of awareness and reluctance among eligible youths to apply.
At the Awka sensitisation event, Brigadier-General Nnabuihe reiterated the Army’s commitment to reversing this trend. He explained that the outreach programme was specifically designed to encourage youths from Anambra and the wider South-East to take advantage of available opportunities within the military.
“This sensitisation is aimed at correcting the imbalance,” he said. “We are calling on all eligible youths to apply. The Nigerian Army provides a structured career path, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to serve the nation with honour.”
The recruitment exercise, which is open to both tradesmen and non-tradesmen, is scheduled to close on May 27. Army officials emphasised that applicants who meet the required criteria stand to benefit from a wide range of professional and personal development opportunities.
Also speaking at the event, Ogbemudia Osawe outlined several incentives associated with military service. He noted that the Army has recently expanded its training infrastructure, with new facilities established in Abakaliki and Osogbo to accommodate incoming recruits.
According to Osawe, joining the Army offers not only a stable career but also long-term benefits, including regular salaries, allowances, and access to continuous education and specialised military training. He added that personnel are exposed to diverse cultural environments, which enhances both their professional competence and personal growth.
He further highlighted welfare provisions such as free medical care for soldiers and their families, pension schemes, gratuity upon retirement, and opportunities for international assignments and peacekeeping missions.
“These are benefits that provide both immediate and long-term security,” he said, stressing that military service remains one of the most structured and rewarding career paths available to Nigerian youths.
In his remarks, Ifeatu Emodi, the Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Youths, commended the Army’s initiative, describing it as timely and necessary. He acknowledged that many young people in the South-East have developed reservations about military service, often due to misconceptions and misinformation.
According to Emodi, such perceptions have contributed significantly to the declining interest in enlistment within the region. He emphasised the need for continuous engagement and public education to correct these narratives and encourage informed decision-making among youths.
“Military enlistment is crucial, especially for our region,” he said. “We must address the misinformation that discourages our young people from exploring this opportunity.”
Traditional institutions also lent their voice to the campaign. Michael Okeke-Uche, the Igwe of Enugwu-Agidi, urged youths to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Nigerian Army. He praised the welfare structure of the military and noted that increased participation would ensure better representation of the South-East in national security structures.
He stressed that representation within the armed forces is not only a matter of employment but also one of strategic importance, as it enables the region to have a voice in national defence and security affairs.
The Army’s renewed push for increased enlistment in the South-East comes amid broader efforts to promote inclusivity and national balance within the military. Officials maintain that equitable participation from all regions is essential for fostering unity, professionalism, and operational effectiveness.
As the recruitment deadline approaches, stakeholders continue to emphasise the importance of awareness, community support, and proactive engagement to bridge the participation gap. For many observers, the outcome of this campaign will serve as a critical indicator of whether longstanding barriers to enlistment in the South-East can be effectively addressed.
Ultimately, the Army’s message is clear: the opportunity to serve, build a career, and contribute to national development is open to all eligible Nigerians. The challenge, however, lies in ensuring that youths in the South-East are adequately informed, motivated, and willing to take that step.
