Southeast Youth Defy IPOB Warning as Over 10,000 Apply for Nigerian Army Recruitment
By Zagazola Makama
In a significant demonstration of patriotism, more than 10,000 youths from the Southeast geopolitical zone have applied to join the Nigerian Army as part of the ongoing 89 Regular Recruits Intake (RRI), defying a recent controversial press release issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
This remarkable surge in applications from the five Southeastern states Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo comes less than 48 hours after IPOB issued a strongly worded statement discouraging Igbo youths from enlisting in the Army. The separatist group claimed that the Nigerian Army exploits Igbo recruits and sacrifices them in conflicts primarily located in the North, warning that those who join would “return in disgrace or not return at all.”
However, the sentiments expressed by the youth across the region tell a different story. From Onitsha to Nsukka, Aba to Owerri, and Umuahia to Abakaliki, many young individuals are embracing the opportunity to serve in the Nigerian Army, viewing it as a pathway to national service and personal development.
Data gathered prominent cybercafés across the Southeast, where applications for recruitment are submitted online. Inside a popular cybercafé on Ogui Road in Enugu, Ifeanyi Eze, a 19-year-old applicant from Oji River, stated, “I don’t believe in IPOB’s lies. My brother is in the Army, and he has not only been promoted but has also traveled for United Nations Peacekeeping Missions. He supports our family. I want to follow that path.” Chinaza Ugochukwu from Abia State added, “It’s a job that gives pride and purpose. Serving Nigeria is not a crime. IPOB doesn’t feed us. The Army can give us a future.” Nkemakolam Okafor, an applicant from Orlu, remarked, “It’s not just about joining the military; it’s about reclaiming our dignity and our stake in Nigeria. We’ve been misled for too long. I’m Igbo and proud, but I’m also Nigerian.”
Reliable information available to Zagazola confirms that the 89 Regular Recruits Intake, which commenced online registration just ten days ago, has already recorded over 87,000 applications from across Nigeria, with more than 10,000 applications from the Southeast alone. This number is expected to rise further before the application deadline, indicating that Igbo youth view the Nigerian Army not as an adversary but as a platform for career development, social mobility, and national service. The overwhelming number of applicants from the Southeast contradicts IPOB’s portrayal of the Nigerian Army as antagonistic towards the Igbo people and reflects a growing rejection of separatist propaganda and a renewed commitment to national service, patriotism, and unity.
A Military Without Borders
Contrary to IPOB’s claims, the Nigerian Army operates as a national institution without ethnic, religious, or sectional bias. It serves as a melting pot of Nigeria’s diversity, united by discipline, merit, and loyalty to the Constitution.
The assertion that Igbo soldiers are marginalized or targeted within the Army is a blatant mischaracterization. In reality, numerous Igbo officers have risen through the ranks to attain high positions of authority, including Major Generals, General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Commandants of military institutions, and Principal Staff Officers at Army Headquarters and the Defence Headquarters. Notably, two Major Generals of Igbo origin, who are siblings, currently hold prominent roles in the Nigerian Army. This serves as clear evidence that Igbo people have equal opportunities for career growth and leadership within the Army.
Additionally, several Igbo officers have served as Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the highest-ranking position in the Nigerian Army, and others have held the position of Chief of Policy and Plans (Deputy COAS), which is crucial for shaping military strategies and operations. If the Army were truly discriminatory towards Igbo people, these high-ranking positions would not be occupied by Igbo officers. Furthermore, the most senior officer responsible for enlisting new officers into the Nigerian Army is an Igbo officer, who also oversees personnel postings and promotions, further proving that ethnicity is not a barrier to career progression in the military.
IPOB’s Misinformation and the Danger of Silence
It is vital to recognize the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, who risk their lives daily to combat terrorism and insurgency throughout the country. The Nigerian Army has been at the forefront of the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorist organizations, often under challenging conditions. Claims made by IPOB that soldiers are sent to their deaths or treated as expendable are not only false but also disrespectful to the courage and commitment of the armed forces.
Furthermore, IPOB’s assertion that the Nigerian Army is secretly recruiting soldiers for a war against "Sahelian nations" on behalf of "Western imperialists" is baseless and lacks factual evidence. The Nigerian military's operations in the Sahel are part of a broader strategy to ensure regional stability and security, crucial for the safety of all Nigerians, including those in the Southeast. It is disheartening to see IPOB attempt to manipulate these complex issues to incite fear among the youth.
The call for Igbo youths to abandon military service in favor of farming is an irresponsible and misleading suggestion that undermines the contributions of many who have chosen to serve their country. Service in the armed forces is a noble profession that offers opportunities for personal growth, education, and leadership. The narrative that joining the Nigerian Army leads to disgrace or demise is damaging and perpetuates misinformation that can deter young people from pursuing honorable careers in defense of their nation. It is crucial for the youth to understand that the Nigerian Army is not an enemy but a protector of the nation's unity. Joining the military is a way to contribute positively to society, stand against the forces that threaten peace and security, and build a future where all ethnicities can coexist harmoniously.
While IPOB portrays the military as a hindrance to Igbo aspirations, the reality is that the Nigerian Army has served as a ladder for success for thousands of Southeastern officers and soldiers. Many have attended advanced military academies worldwide, participated in international peacekeeping missions, and returned home to contribute to their communities. The Army offers structured promotions, access to higher education, and an opportunity.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
