Why Igbo youths shun army recruitment — IPOB Counsel

Counsel to the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, Aloy Ejimakor, has attributed the low enlistment of South-East youths into the Nigerian Army to what he described as deep-rooted distrust of the military rather than a lack of patriotism.

Ejimakor stated this in a post on X on Thursday while reacting to comments by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who expressed concern over the low turnout of recruits from the South-East during a passing-out parade at the Nigerian Army Recruits Training Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State.

According to him, many youths from the region are reluctant to join the military because they feel marginalised within the country’s security architecture and believe the armed forces have been used against the Igbo during periods of unrest.

He argued that the reluctance was a deliberate decision born out of mistrust, not a reflection of a lack of courage or willingness to serve the country.

Ejimakor cited historical and recent incidents involving military operations in the South-East, including the 1967 anti-Igbo killings and security operations in communities such as Nkpor, Aba, Obigbo and Port Harcourt, as factors that have reinforced the perception of bias.

He also criticised the military’s deradicalisation programme, saying some South-East youths were uncomfortable with the idea of serving alongside former Boko Haram fighters who had been reintegrated into society.

According to him, the low enlistment figures represent a quiet protest against what he described as an institution many in the region no longer trust.

The Army Chief had appealed to South-East youths to take advantage of recruitment opportunities, noting that the region continues to record one of the lowest application rates during enlistment exercises.

The Nigerian Army has consistently maintained that its recruitment process is transparent, merit-based and open to qualified Nigerians from all parts of the country.