The legal counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has stated that many youths from Nigeria’s South-East region are reluctant to join the Nigerian Army due to concerns about safety, trust, and what they perceive as unequal treatment.
According to Ejiofor, a significant number of young people in the region feel discouraged from participating in military recruitment exercises because of longstanding grievances and fears regarding their welfare and future within the armed forces. He argued that these concerns have contributed to the low number of applicants from the South-East compared to some other regions of the country.
The IPOB lawyer called on the Federal Government and military authorities to address the issues raised by the youths and take steps to rebuild confidence in national institutions. He stressed the need for greater engagement with young people in the region and efforts aimed at promoting unity and inclusiveness.
The remarks come amid renewed discussions on regional representation in Nigeria’s security agencies and the importance of ensuring that all parts of the country are adequately represented in the armed forces.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has consistently maintained that its recruitment process is fair and open to all qualified Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or region. The military has also continued to encourage eligible youths across the country to enlist and contribute to national security.
Observers believe that increasing trust and addressing concerns raised by various communities could help boost participation in future recruitment exercises and strengthen national unity.
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