Army Chief Urges South-East Youth to Join Nigerian Army, Laments Low Recruitment

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on community leaders, parents and guardians across the South-East to encourage more young people to enlist in the Nigerian Army, expressing concern that the region has consistently failed to meet its recruitment quota.

Shaibu made the appeal on Wednesday during the passing-out parade of 2,989 regular recruits at the Nigerian Army Recruits Training Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State.

He explained that the training depot was established to increase military recruitment from the South-East, describing it as a strategic effort to improve the region’s representation in the Army.

According to the Army Chief, despite the opportunity created by the new facility, recruitment figures from the zone have remained below expectation.
“The recruitment quota from this zone has not been fully utilised. This should not continue,” he said.

He urged traditional rulers, community leaders, parents, guardians and other stakeholders to encourage eligible young men and women to consider a career in the military, describing service in the Nigerian Army as a noble profession built on patriotism, discipline and selfless service to the nation.

Addressing the newly graduated soldiers, Shaibu reminded them that the country continues to face complex security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, separatist violence, organised crime and cyber threats.

He stressed that overcoming these threats would require courage, discipline, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to duty.

The Army Chief also cautioned personnel against breaching the Nigerian Army’s social media policy, warning that posting operational details, photographs of military activities, sensitive locations or unverified information online could compromise national security and attract severe disciplinary measures, including dismissal from service.

Also speaking at the event, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army. He pledged to sustain a peaceful environment for military training and strengthen collaboration between security agencies and host communities to enhance national security.