Real Reasons Why Our Youths Are Shunning Army Recruitment – Igbo Leaders

The Nigerian Army has raised alarm over the extremely low turnout of recruits from the South-East region in its ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise. According to the Army, only 200 individuals from the South-East have registered, a stark contrast to figures of over 4,000 in other regions.

Brigadier General Chima Ekeator, who leads the Army Headquarters Recruitment Sensitisation Team in Anambra, appealed to Igbo youths to come forward and participate, noting the region is falling far behind in filling its quota.

However, several prominent Igbo leaders and groups have pointed to deep-rooted reasons behind this trend. They argue that historical grievances, particularly the fallout of the Nigerian-Biafran War and continued feelings of marginalisation, have bred distrust in federal institutions, including the military.

Chief Chekwas Okorie, founder and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), stated that this lack of interest in federal institutions among Igbo youths is not new. He recalled that after the war, many young Igbos faced unfair recruitment practices, including demands for exorbitant bribes, which discouraged them from pursuing careers in the military or police.

He suggested that for the government to change this trend, it must build trust by ensuring a level playing field for all regions and genuinely demonstrating inclusion.

Chief Goddy Uwazurike, former president of the Igbo socio-cultural group Aka Ikenga, added that many Igbo youths no longer see the armed forces as credible institutions worth serving. He observed that in many cases, youths fear the police and military more than criminal elements, and believe the military does not reflect national pride or professionalism.

Uwazurike pointed out that while Igbo youths readily enlist in foreign armies like those of the US or UK, they hesitate to do so in Nigeria because of lingering fears and distrust. He called for a major image overhaul, where the military is seen as a professional and honourable path rather than a last resort.

The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) also weighed in, with its President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, highlighting a widespread belief that recruits from the region are disproportionately posted to dangerous zones like the North East, increasing the risk of fatalities. This perception, coupled with stories of Igbo soldiers dying in volatile areas, has reinforced fear and suspicion.

Ibem also spoke of generational trauma passed down from families who lived through the civil war, reinforcing reluctance to join federal forces. He added that the current insecurity in the South-East, including attacks by unknown gunmen and community suspicion towards soldiers, makes enlistment even more unappealing.

According to him, the recruitment challenge reflects a broader mistrust in national systems. To address it, he stressed the need for national reconciliation, fair representation, transparent military policies, and deeper community engagement to win back the trust of the region’s youth.