In a development that has sparked growing concern within military and government circles, only 200 youths from Nigeria’s South-East region have registered for the ongoing nationwide Army recruitment exercise. The revelation was made by Brigadier General Chima Ekeator, Leader of the Army Force Headquarters Recruitment Sensitisation Team, during a stakeholder meeting in Awka, Anambra State.
The sensitisation event brought together youth leaders, traditional rulers, and community President-Generals, as the Army seeks to improve regional representation and ensure a balanced national force structure.
Brigadier General Ekeator disclosed that while other regions, particularly the North-West and South-West, have recorded over 4,000 applicants each, the South-East lags significantly behind with only 200 registrations.
“This gap in participation is deeply troubling. We are calling on youth leaders and traditional authorities to encourage more young people to embrace this opportunity,” Ekeator stated. “It’s not just about filling numbers; it’s about equity in national representation and service.”
The military officer emphasized that greater enlistment from the region would help address the underrepresentation of South-East indigenes in the Nigerian Army, a concern that has been raised repeatedly in past recruitment cycles.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba, pledged the state’s commitment to intensifying grassroots mobilization. According to Soludo, traditional rulers and President-Generals will be mandated to mobilize at least 10 eligible youths from each community to enlist in the ongoing recruitment.
“This recruitment is a call to duty. Our young people must see themselves as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s unity and security. The military provides a viable career path with the opportunity to serve and make a difference,” Aghamba noted.
The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, echoed the appeal, noting that the recruitment exercise targets Nigerian youths aged between 18 and 22. He encouraged parents, teachers, and religious leaders to change the narrative around military service in the South-East.
The Nigerian Army, over the years, has modernized its training, welfare, and career advancement frameworks to attract more Nigerians into the force. With monthly stipends, educational sponsorship opportunities, international training, and post-retirement benefits, the military offers a structured and rewarding career.
However, military authorities believe misconceptions about the safety, prestige, and purpose of a military career in the South-East may be discouraging young people. Some community members have also cited political agitation, past civil war memories, and distrust in the federal system as contributing factors to the region’s low turnout.
Experts warn that continued underrepresentation of the South-East in national security agencies could deepen feelings of marginalization and widen trust deficits between the federal government and the region. They argue that meaningful inclusion begins with equitable access to public service opportunities, including the military.
Security analyst Ifeanyi Okonkwo told our correspondent, “You can’t call for equity and inclusiveness if your region is not adequately represented in national defense. The Army isn’t just about combat—it’s about national integration and unity.”
With the recruitment deadline fast approaching, military officials have urged state governments and community stakeholders to redouble their efforts in sensitizing youths.
“The Army belongs to every Nigerian. We want to see sons and daughters from every part of this country wearing the uniform proudly,” Brig. Gen. Ekeator stressed.
The ongoing recruitment, which commenced nationwide in March, will close later this month. Interested applicants are advised to visit the Nigerian Army recruitment portal and complete the application process. All forms are free, and selection will be based strictly on merit.