Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia; Ben Ezechime Enugu; Lawrence Nwimo, Awka; & Ugo Nosiri, Owerri
The decline of interest by Igbo youths in military recruitments in Nigeria, has of late, become a source of concern both to the military and stakeholders from the South-East geopolitical zone. Recently, the Army Authorities embarked on sensitisation tour of states in the zone where they complained of the decline and solicited the help of the State Governors in persuading youths from the zone to seek careers in the military. The Nigerian Army commenced its 2025 recruitment application for the 89th Regular Recruit Intake on March 31, 2025. While on courtesy visit to Enugu Governor, the recruitment enlightenment team lead, Brigadier-General Chima Ekeator, expressed concern over the low number of applications from states in South-East, noting that Enugu, for instance, has about 100 applications. Brigadier-General Ekeator urged South-East youths to apply in greater numbers to fill their quota. Meanwhile, the aparthy has been attributed to a number of factors including historical mistrust, perceived deployment bias, denying serving Igbo military personnel their due promotions, get-rich-quick syndrome among others. Some cited the cruelty of the military against youths in the South-East during the infamous Operation Python Dance where viral video surfaced where youths in the zone were subjected to all manner of inhuman treatments. While some were forced to lie inside mud under gunpoints, others were flogged like slaves, while some were forced to slap themselves in dehumanizing ways. Ikengaonline in this exclusive Report, spoke with both Igbo youths and necessary stakeholders who bared their minds on the matter, and suggested the way forward.
Voices from Abia
Speaking on the matter, the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, COSEYL, a sociopolitical youth group in the South-East geopolitical zone who blamed it on perceived deployment bias, said posting of military personnel from South-East to hotbeds in the Northern region deter Igbo youths from joining the military.
According to COSEYL President General, Goodluck Ibem, such a development is perceived as a deliberate ploy to depopulate Igbo youths.
He said: “A prevailing notion among young people in the South-East is that enlistees from the region are disproportionately deployed to volatile areas in the North-East, particularly regions affected by Boko Haram insurgency. This perception has created fear and discouragement, as many believe that such deployments significantly increase the risk of casualties among soldiers from the South-East.
“A common sentiment among South-East youths is that recruits from their region are more likely to be deployed to high-risk zones, particularly the North-East, where Boko Haram and other insurgent groups remain active. This belief — whether fully accurate or not — has been reinforced by stories of young Igbo soldiers losing their lives in these areas. Many see this as an unfair and deliberate pattern, making military service seem like a death sentence rather than an honorable career.
He further identified historical and political mistrust; lack of career growth, and influence of separatist ideologies as part of the causes.
“The scars of the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), in which the South-East attempted to secede as Biafra, still linger. Many families that lived through the war passed down their distrust for the Nigerian military and federal institutions. This generational trauma has fostered a reluctance among many to serve in a force they feel historically marginalized their people.
“Ironically, the rising insecurity within the South-East itself has also become a deterrent. With the activities of unknown gunmen, violent enforcement of sit-at-home orders, and general tension around military presence, some young people fear of being targeted by their own communities for joining the army. Being a soldier in the South-East is sometimes seen as betraying local causes or siding with an oppressive system.
“Youths in the South-East often express frustration with what they perceive as systemic bias in recruitment, promotion, and recognition within the military. The feeling that career progression in the armed forces is limited for non-Northerners or non-Muslims reduces the attractiveness of a military career for many in the region.
“The rise of pro-Biafra movements has also played a significant role. These groups advocate for secession and view the Nigerian Army as a tool of oppression. Their propaganda discourages military enlistment and sometimes threatens those who consider it, labeling them traitors or enemies of the cause.
“The reluctance of South-East youths to join the Nigerian Army is deeply rooted in complex layers of perception, history, and socio-political dynamics. Addressing this issue will require more than just recruitment drives. It demands genuine efforts at national reconciliation, equal representation, transparent military policies, and strategic community engagement to rebuild trust and foster patriotism across all regions.
“While national service is a noble and honorable pursuit, this sentiment has contributed to hesitation and, in many cases, outright refusal by eligible youths to enlist. It is crucial that the Nigerian Army addresses these concerns transparently to encourage greater national participation and trust among all ethnic groups.”
Reacting, Igbo Women Assembly, said that the continued marginalisation of Ndigbo and discriminatory attitude of the Nigerian state against the tribe, made Igbo youths to get disillusioned about so many things in the country.
National President of IWA, Lolo Nneka Chimezie, said many Igbo youths had lost interest and confidence in many federal activities as a result of decades of injustice against Ndigbo.
IWA also attributed the lack of interest to alleged denial of promotion to deserving Igbo in the military service.
She said: “Our youths have been denied their rightful promotion especially those in the security agencies. And that’s part of the reasons Igbo youths are losing interest in military recruitments.
“They have refused to join the military and even the police because they hardly get promoted unlike their colleagues from other tribes. In other federal establishments, the story is the same. The quota of the South-East is always shortchanged.
“When they graduate from school like their fellow youths from other tribes, they don’t get equal opportunities for employment. That’s what they are protesting because they believe that they are not included in the Nigeria structure. They feel unjustly excluded. They want inclusion and full integration into the Nigeria system.”
Enugu community leaders speak
Some Community Leaders in Enugu State, who spoke with Ikengaonline, identified poor remuneration, marginalisation and disenchantment as part of the reasons Igbo youths are losing interest in joining the military.
President General of Eha-Ulo Community in Ehalumona, Nsukka Local Government Area, Chief Paulinus Odo, attributed the development to get-rich-quick-syndrome among Igbo youths who do not consider salaries enough source of income.
He said that an average Igbo youth believes in looking for where to make quick money rather than monthly salary, which today could no longer solve any problems.
“An average Igbo youth do not see any future as a soldier because those who were there are not doing well while in service and even after retirement they remained poor.
“Again there is this insinuation that soldiers from the South especially the South-East are being marginalised and sent to North-East; nobody wants to terminate his life just like that,” he said.
Odo, who is also a retired security officer added that the salary of soldiers and security personnel generally in Nigeria was nothing to write home about.
“Igbo youths are not ready for monthly peanuts, particularly at this period when they can easily press their phones and make their money,” he said.
He suggested for a total overhaul of salaries of military and para-military personnel to make the job attractive for people to join.
In the same vein, the traditional ruler of Ezimo, in Udenu Local Government Area of the state, Igwe Brendan Ogbu, said that the youths’ refusal to go for Army recruitment was due to disenchantment.
“I think many South-East youths are disenchanted about what is going on in the Nigerian Federation.
“Some of them feel that they are not needed. So why going to where you know there is no future,” he queried.
Ogbu, who is a retired soldier, however, said it was dangerous for Igbo youths to shun recruitment into the Armed Forces of Nigeria, saying that it was a case of the Igbos marginalising themselves.
Speaking also, a youth activist, Ignatius Ogbodo accused the Federal Government of insincerity, adding that when it comes to juicy job opportunities they do not extend such campaigns to the South-East youths.
“We are talking about South-East youths refusing to join the army and they are going round campaigning and pleading for us to come and fill our quota.
“This is laughable; when did the federal authorities sensitize Igbo youths to join Customs, FIRS, NNPC and so on.
“Those have been the exclusive rights of the Hausa/Fulani and Yorubas but when it comes to going to die in Sambisa they come to appeal to us to come and join,” Ogbodo said.
Anambra respondents say historical mistrust responsible
Some analysts following the development have attributed the situation to historical mistrust and perceived marginalization, while others point to a lack of awareness about military career opportunities, and the allure of other career paths.
Nonso Orakwe, Executive Director of Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI), identified historical mistrust stemming from the Nigerian Civil War, perceived marginalization and bias as key factors contributing to the decline.
He also mentioned strained civil-military relations due to military operations, and cultural priorities that emphasize entrepreneurship, education, and professional careers as other possible root causes.
“The scars of the Nigerian Civil War still linger in the collective memory of many in the South-East. For many families, the Army is still seen as a symbol of the conflict and of post-war marginalisation. This historic mistrust has discouraged many young people from considering a military career.
“There is a widespread perception in the South-East that the region is underrepresented in the upper ranks of the military and in national decision-making. When young people don’t see their people occupying leadership roles in the military, they are less inclined to participate.
“Frequent military operations often targeting separatist elements have sometimes been perceived as repressive or indiscriminate. This has strained civil-military relations and deepened resistance to joining an institution that many feel has been used more often against their people than for them.
Similarly, a youth leader in Anambra, Cornelius Onwuka, while describing the decline as pathetic and concerning, highlighted the ill treatment of the Igbo in the military, which he said makes the Igbo perceive the military as North-controlled.
“In the early 2000s, many qualified Igbo military personnel were unfairly retired to make way for Northerners in lower ranks. This could be one of the things that contribute to the current mistrust and reluctance among Igbo youths to join the military.”
Popular human rights activist and convener of the Recover Nigeria Project, Comrade Osita Obi, attributed the decline of youth participation in the army to the prevailing get-rich-quick syndrome, particularly in the South-East region.
He said the phenomenon has led young people to prioritize quick gains over serving in the military.
Obi pointed out that the loss of a functional reward system in society has discouraged youths from joining the army, as they no longer see military service as a viable or rewarding career path.
“Societal values have shifted, emphasizing wealth accumulation over national service. This shift has resulted in our young people seeking more lucrative opportunities, often outside the public sector.
“In the South-East today, many youths aspire to emulate successful entrepreneurs like Obi Cubana, Arthur Eze, and Cletus Ibeto, who have achieved remarkable wealth. This aspiration is further fueled by influential figures, including governors, who often celebrate affluence.
“For instance, the recent attendance of notable figures like Soludo and Arthur Eze at Obi Cubana’s birthday celebration, where wealth was prominently displayed, underscores this trend.
“When last did any newspaper firm recognize the efforts of common Nigerians doing well in the military and paramilitary, and considered rewarding them with Sun, Vanguard or Guardian Man of the Year.
“It is these happenings that shape our young people’s ambitions and priorities. Careers in the military or public service are now less appealing to them, compared to entrepreneurial pursuits that promise huge financial rewards,” he concluded.
Public Policy and Good Governance Advocate, Onyekachi Ololo, argued that each region has its preferences and comparative advantages, which he said the government should recognize and leverage.
According to Ololo, “Southerners place strong cultural emphasis on entrepreneurship, education, and professional careers. Families often encourage their children to pursue paths in business, medicine, and law or to seek opportunities abroad rather than join the armed forces.”
He suggested that the government should conduct research to understand the professional preferences of each region and allocate resources accordingly to maximize human capital.
Ololo also noted that while it is understandable for each region to fill its quota in the military, the force needs to change its perception and become a place of pride, honor, and merit. He added that the military must work to shed its image as a haven for bullies or a means for personal protection or revenge.
“The military must go out of its way to change the ugly perception that it is a place where bullies go, or a house where some citizens can enter to protect themselves, or even those who want to take revenge on some cult groups, the police intimidation, and make itself a decent place filled with pride and honour as well as a place where merit is celebrated – only then can it begin to attract everyone from different region coming to identify with them,” Ololo added.
To remedy the situation, Orakwe, the CATYCOI boss, suggested that the Army should engage sincerely with community leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and the civil society to rebuild confidence.
He emphasized the need for fair representation of South-Easterners in military leadership positions, improved human rights and conduct during operations, and positive messaging and outreach campaigns tailored to the region’s context.
Orakwe stressed that the solution lay not just in encouraging enlistment but in addressing the root causes of disinterest and mistrust, and that genuine inclusion and respect were essential to remotivate the South-East to serve fully in the Nigerian Army.
Meanwhile, Anambra State in trying to sensitize the people on the need to embrace the opportunity, stated that the recruitment is not just another routine enlistment opportunity, but a pathway to a dignified career filled with purpose and equal opportunity.
The Press Secretary to the Governor, Christian Aburime, who released a statement, reminded youths that partaking in the recruitment exercise means a stable career with enhanced regular pay and allowances, and an opportunity to advance their educational career.
Other benefits he listed are the chance to build lifelong friendships with fellow Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, comprehensive healthcare and insurance benefits, a clear path to home ownership in a desired location, and pension and gratuity for future security.
Aburime averred that what is even more endearing is that the whole application and recruitment process is completely free, and shortlisted candidates will participate in the screening exercise in Anambra State from the 2nd to 16th June 2025.
“Ndi Anambra, our state needs you to encourage our youth to step forward and take their future by the uniform. Our country needs them. According to a Nigerian adage, if you are not present at a meeting of your people sharing some benefits, you can’t complain about how the sharing is done. Let our youth step forward and claim their rightful place in Nigeria’s future,” he enthused.
He added that by joining, South’East youths will not only secure their future but also ensure the region’s voice and interests are represented and protected within this crucial national institution.
Reacting on the development, a chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ichie Damian Okeke Ogene, said the low enrollment of South-East youths stems from ill treatment being meted out on the region by Nigeria and its government.
Okeke Ogene, who is a former Vice President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, said that a lot of things have happened that made Igbo youths lose confidence and trust in serving the Nigerian Army.
He said: “Igbo people are treated in this country as if they do not belong to one Nigeria. Yes, they may be surprised that Igbo youths are no longer enrolling on the Nigerian Army. Is it not more surprising also that out of the entire service chiefs in Nigeria, they do not manage to put even one Igbo man there?
“Is it in recruiting soldiers that they will send to the North’East and Sambisa Forest that they will remember that South-East is part of Nigeria?
“Igbo youths in the National Youth Service come out in their thousands, but will secure no job from the Federal Government.
“From the time I was the President of Town Unions, it has been very difficult to convince Igbo youths to join the rank and file of the Nigerian police, not to talk of joining the Nigerian Army. It will take a long time to change this perception, unless the Nigerian government decides to take action against marginalisation of the South-East.
“Again, Igbo are known to be masters of their destinies. Instead of going into white collar jobs, they would prefer to learn trades or any other skills that can sustain them independently.”
While advising the Federal Government to strive towards building all inclusive Nigeria, instead of chasing shadows. The Ohanaeze chieftain noted that Igbo youths no longer have confidence in one Nigeria; arguing that when it comes to juicy positions, the Nigerian government will not remember the South-East.
We ‘ve been betrayed – Imo youths
Some youths in Owerri metropolis, who spoke with Ikengaonline expressed their disappointment in the Federal Government, stating the poor treatment of the South-Easterners, and lack of insurance.
One of the youths, Mr Kelechi Anokwue, said “President Tinubu should as a matter of urgency balance the indifference between the South-East region. We all own the country together, at no time should one region be superior to another. The South-East youths are fed up with the political chicanery within the Nigeria state and polity. No need pretending.”
Another person who gave his name as Charles said: “I think it is poverty that got the 200 to sign up, because tell me why I’ll sign up when the Army won’t give me Life Assurance/insurance, Health insurance etc. Sadly many of them won’t survive 5 years in the Nigerian Army.”
A political scientist Mr. Benrad Ngoka, blamed the development on betrayal.
He said: “Betrayal is the word. That quiet kind of hurt that runs deep like something broken without the chance to heal. When a people feel like the country they’re meant to love doesn’t love them back, it creates a wound that generations carry. You can’t force loyalty or patriotism where trust has been broken. And the saddest part? Many want to believe in Nigeria they want to serve, contribute, and be proud of her. But how do you serve a system that doesn’t see you?
Responding also, Aba-based Rights Activist, Comrade Nnanna Nwafor, blamed the aparthy on the festering insecurity in South-East; and the use of security force to clamp the separatist group and other agitating groups in the zone.
He said: “The South-East youths don’t want to be used as a tool to fight their people and destroy their region in the name of fighting for the country and addressing separatist agitations in the zone
“The continued detention of MazI Nnamdi Kanu is one of the reasons as the youths have lost confidence in the Nigeria State,” Nwafor added.
Any Solution?
COSEYL challenged the military authorities to address the identified sentiments and see if there would not be a change of attitude for the better.
“We respectfully urge the relevant authorities to investigate and, if necessary, correct any imbalance in deployment policies, and to initiate awareness campaigns to build confidence in the system. The goal should be to ensure equity, fairness, and a unified sense of patriotism among Nigerian youths from all regions.”
Similarly, a Public Affairs Analyst, Mr Ikenna Asomba, urged the Federal Government to ensure strict application of the Federal character principle as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.
Quoting the Section 14(3) of the Constitution, Mr Asomba, said “composition of the Government of Nigeria or any of its agencies should ensure that its affairs are carried out to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity.”
He advised against the domination of some juicy ministries and departments and agencies, MDAs, by some sections of the country.
The Public Affairs Analyst who accused the Federal Government of violating the federal character, said South-East youths have lost faith in the government due to mistrust.
He, therefore, urged Government to engage youths in the zone and listen to their complaints so as to regain their confidence.
Mr Asomba also advocated improved welfare for military personnel as incentive for new recruits.
Comparing the United States military to that of Nigeria, Mr Asomba said “the US military recruits are enticed with sign up bonuses of between $5000 to $30,000, 30 days annual vacation; low-cost medical, dental, and eye insurance, free medical care for them and their family members after retirement in 60 years.”
