Why South-East Youths Are Avoiding the Nigerian Army – Nnamdi Kanu's Lawyer Explains

Why South-East Youths Are Avoiding the Nigerian Army – Nnamdi Kanu's Lawyer Explains

Aloy Ejimakor, legal counsel to detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, has said the low enlistment of South-East youths into the Nigerian Army is driven by deep mistrust of the military rather than a lack of courage or patriotism.

His remarks followed concerns raised by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who lamented the poor turnout of recruits from the South-East during a passing-out parade at the Nigerian Army Recruits Training Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State.

Ejimakor Says Mistrust Is the Main Reason

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Ejimakor argued that many young people from the South-East deliberately choose not to enlist because they have lost confidence in the Nigerian military.

According to him, the decision is based on what many perceive as years of marginalisation and an imbalance in the country's security leadership.

«"The reluctance of Igbo youths to enlist in the Nigerian armed forces is not a deficit of valour, but a calculated refusal to serve an institution they deeply mistrust," Ejimakor wrote.»

He maintained that the issue should not be interpreted as a lack of patriotism but as a reflection of longstanding concerns within the region.

Historical Events Continue to Shape Opinions

Ejimakor also referenced historical events, including the anti-Igbo killings of 1967, arguing that many people in the South-East still carry memories of those experiences.

He further cited military operations in Nkpor, Aba, Obigbo, and Port Harcourt, claiming these incidents have reinforced distrust among many youths in the region.

These are Ejimakor's views and have not been officially accepted by the Nigerian military.

Concerns Over Deradicalised Ex-Boko Haram Fighters

Another point raised by Ejimakor was the military's deradicalisation programme for former Boko Haram fighters.

He argued that some South-East youths are uncomfortable with the idea of serving alongside rehabilitated former insurgents under a command they do not fully trust.

According to him, this has further discouraged many eligible young people from pursuing military careers.

Nigerian Army Maintains Recruitment Is Fair

The Chief of Army Staff recently expressed concern that South-East states continue to record some of the lowest recruitment figures in the country.

Military authorities have consistently maintained that enlistment into the Nigerian Army is merit-based, transparent, and open to all qualified Nigerians, regardless of ethnic or regional background.

The Army has also attributed the low turnout partly to misinformation surrounding the recruitment process, noting that unfilled slots from the South-East are often reallocated to applicants from other regions.

Debate Over Recruitment Continues

Ejimakor believes the low enlistment figures represent a quiet protest against perceived injustice and distrust of the military institution.

The Nigerian Army, however, insists that every eligible Nigerian has an equal opportunity to serve and has repeatedly encouraged young people from the South-East to take advantage of recruitment opportunities.

The differing views continue to fuel national discussions on trust, inclusion, security, and equal representation within Nigeria's armed forces.

What Do You Think?

Do you believe the low enlistment of South-East youths into the Nigerian Army is caused by mistrust, misinformation, lack of interest, or other factors?

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