Recruitment Crisis: Why Igbo youths are avoiding the army

DDM News

The ongoing recruitment exercise by the Nigerian Army has revealed a significant issue the low enrollment of Igbo youths from the South-East region.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) revealed that despite the army’s urgent need to fill quotas, only around 200 registrations have been recorded from the South-East, a stark contrast to the thousands of applications received from other parts of the country.

This low turnout has raised concerns and prompted military officials to call for greater participation from the region.

However, Igbo leaders attribute this reluctance to several deep-rooted historical and systemic factors, which continue to shape the mindset of the youth.

One of the primary reasons for this reluctance is the lingering psychological impact of the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970).

The war, which brought immense destruction to the South-East, has fostered a deep distrust toward federal institutions, particularly the military.

Chief Chekwas Okorie, the founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), emphasized that this distrust has persisted over the decades.

He pointed out that, after the war, Igbo applicants were often discriminated against in federal job opportunities, especially in the army and police forces.

Reports of excessive bribery demands from federal officials further discouraged many Igbo youths from considering government careers, including military service.

As a result, a cultural shift occurred, with many Igbo youths turning to private enterprise and other professional careers instead of seeking employment within the government or military.

In addition to these historical factors, there is a prevailing perception among many Igbo families that military service is too risky.

This belief is particularly strong when it comes to deployments in high-risk areas, such as the North-East, where the Boko Haram insurgency continues to cause widespread instability.

Comrade Goodluck Ibem, a key figure in the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), noted that many Igbo families view joining the army as a potential “death sentence.”

The stories of Igbo soldiers losing their lives in conflict zones have further fueled these fears, making the idea of military service less appealing to young people in the South-East.

Many youths are instead opting for safer career paths, preferring professions that do not put their lives at risk.

The strained relationship between the military and local communities in the South-East also plays a crucial role in the low enlistment rates.

In recent years, the region has experienced a rise in insecurity, including frequent clashes between unknown gunmen and military personnel.

These tensions have made some youths wary of the military, fearing they could be seen as traitors for joining the army.

Chief Goddy Uwazurike, the former leader of Aka Ikenga, suggested that the Nigerian military needs to rebuild trust within the South-East communities.

He emphasized that the military must prove its commitment to the well-being of local populations, rather than fueling fear and distrust.

Without such efforts to improve the relationship between the military and local communities, recruitment in the region will likely remain low.

In conclusion, the reluctance of Igbo youths to join the Nigerian Army is a multifaceted issue.

It is shaped by historical grievances, perceptions of risk, and the strained relationship between the military and local communities.

To address these challenges, the Nigerian Army must take steps to rebuild trust and demonstrate that enlistment can lead to positive outcomes for both individuals and the wider community.

Only by addressing these deeper issues can the military hope to increase participation from the South-East region.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook