Only 200 South-East Youths Apply for Nigerian Army Recruitment: Anambra Govt, Military Urge Action

 

Army Decries Poor Turnout of South-East Youths in Recruitment Drive, Seeks Grassroots Support

The Nigerian Army has expressed serious concern over the low number of applicants from the South-East region in its ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise. In an effort to address the shortfall, the Army's Force Headquarters Recruitment Sensitisation Team, led by Brigadier-General Chima Ekeator, visited Anambra State to engage with community stakeholders and youth leaders.

Speaking during a sensitisation event organised for youth leaders and President-Generals (P-Gs) of various communities in the state, Brig.-Gen. Ekeator revealed that only about 200 youths from the entire South-East geopolitical zone had registered for the recruitment, a figure he described as alarmingly low compared to other parts of the country.

“In other regions, the number of applicants per state exceeds 4,000,” Ekeator stated, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention. “This sensitisation effort is not just a formality—it’s a wake-up call. Our goal is to encourage communities, traditional leaders, and youth representatives to mobilise eligible candidates from their respective areas.”

He stressed that the underrepresentation of the South-East in recruitment efforts may have long-term implications for the region’s visibility and inclusion within the Nigerian Army. “Participation isn’t just about employment; it’s about ensuring regional presence in national security affairs. The Army belongs to every Nigerian, and equitable representation must be encouraged,” he added.

In support of the Army's outreach, the Anambra State Government has pledged to intensify awareness campaigns at the grassroots level. Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghambah, acknowledged the urgency of the matter and assured that the government would not relent in its efforts to mobilise willing and eligible youths.

“The security sector remains a critical area for youth engagement,” Aghambah noted. “We are calling on traditional rulers and President-Generals to take up the challenge by identifying and encouraging at least 10 eligible youths from each community to register and participate in the recruitment exercise.”

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, underscored the importance of local leadership in facilitating the success of national programs. He stated that the targeted age range for the recruitment is between 18 and 22 years, and urged communities to help bridge the information gap that might be hindering young people from applying.

“This is a critical opportunity for our youths to secure gainful engagement and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said. “It is also a chance to correct the narrative that the South-East is uninterested in national military service.”

The sensitisation team also highlighted the benefits of a military career, including structured training, financial stability, and access to further education and professional advancement within the armed forces. According to Brig.-Gen. Ekeator, military service also fosters discipline, leadership, and a sense of duty—qualities he believes are crucial for youth development in Nigeria.

As part of the outreach strategy, both the Army and Anambra State Government have committed to working with local institutions, faith-based groups, and media channels to promote awareness and encourage more registrations before the recruitment window closes.

With the sensitisation drive gaining momentum, it remains to be seen whether the collaborative push from military and civil authorities will yield a significant increase in South-East representation. However, the message from the stakeholders is clear: the door is open, and the time for action is now.