The Nigerian Army has again voiced concern over the low participation of youths from the South-East in its ongoing recruitment exercise, disclosing that only 117 applicants from Anambra State were recorded out of 38,000 applications nationwide.
The disclosure was made during a sensitisation programme held at the Ministry of Youths in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
Brigadier General Uche Nnabuihe, who led the Army delegation to the event, said the figure reflected applications received as of April 7, prior to the launch of a nationwide awareness campaign for the 91 Regular Recruits Intake.
It was learnt that similar concerns had been raised by the Army in April 2025 over the region’s low enlistment rate.
At the time, the head of the Army’s recruitment enlightenment team, Chima Ekeator, warned that the South-East risked missing out on its fair share of opportunities.
Speaking during a town hall meeting in Enugu, Ekeator said the region recorded fewer than 100 applications despite being allocated 200 slots in the previous recruitment exercise.
“Our people are losing what rightly belongs to them. Each year, whenever a slot is being allocated to our people, we keep noticing that the number of applicants from our side is usually very poor,” Ekeator said.
Addressing participants at Saturday’s sensitisation event, Nnabuihe explained that the initiative was designed to encourage greater participation among youths in Anambra and across the South-East. He noted that the recruitment, open to both tradesmen and non-tradesmen, will run until May 27.
He said the outreach was intended to address the imbalance and motivate eligible candidates to take advantage of opportunities within the Army.
Nnabuihe said, “We observed with concern that out of 38,000 applications received nationwide, only 117 came from Anambra as of April 7.
“This sensitisation is to correct that imbalance and encourage our youths to take advantage of the opportunities available in the Nigerian Army.
“We urge eligible youths to apply. The Army offers a structured career path and opportunities for national service.”
Also speaking, Lieutenant Colonel Ogbemudia Osawe stated that the Army had expanded its training capacity with new facilities in Abakaliki and Osogbo to cater for incoming recruits.
He outlined several benefits of military service, including career advancement, steady salaries and allowances, access to ongoing military education, and specialised training.
Osawe added that personnel enjoy exposure to diverse cultures, comprehensive welfare packages, free healthcare for themselves and their families, as well as pension and gratuity benefits. He further noted that opportunities for international assignments are also available.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Youths, Ifeatu Emodi, praised the sensitisation effort, describing military service as particularly important for young people in the South-East.
Emodi attributed the declining interest among youths in the region to misinformation and misconceptions about the Army.
Similarly, the traditional ruler of Enugwu-Agidi, Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche, commended the Army’s welfare structure and urged young people to enlist, stressing the need for stronger South-East representation in the military.