The Nigerian Army has a message, and it’s not about weapons or war—it’s about unity and representation.
During a recent visit to Enugu, the Nigerian Army sounded the alarm over the low enlistment of youths from the South-East into the military. For years, recruitment figures from the region have lagged behind other parts of the country. It’s not just numbers—it’s a pattern, and it worries the top brass.
Major General Chima Ekeator, who leads the Army’s 2025 Recruitment Enlightenment Team, didn’t mince words. “It’s become a trend, and it’s not healthy for national integration,” he said. “We want the Army to look like Nigeria. We want every part of the country represented.”
The issue runs deep. In some circles, there’s lingering mistrust toward the military, rooted in Nigeria’s complex political and historical fabric—particularly post-Civil War sentiments in the South-East. Others point to economic frustrations and lack of exposure to military opportunities.
The Army, for its part, is trying to bridge that gap. It has launched outreach efforts, media campaigns, and recruitment drives aimed specifically at the region. Still, enlistment remains low.
“We need more parents, community leaders, and schools in the South-East to encourage their young people,” Ekeator emphasized. “This is a national institution. We’re building a team to protect everyone.”
The message is simple: the door is open. But getting more South-East youths to walk through it may take more than outreach—it may take rebuilding trust.
Leave a Reply