Army Raises Concern Over Low South-East Enlistment, Urges Youths to Apply Before Deadline

Global Mirror News reports that the Nigerian Army has expressed serious concern over the low number of applicants from the South-East region in its ongoing recruitment exercise.

The concern was raised by Brigadier General Uche Nnabuihe during a sensitisation campaign held in Awka, where he revealed that only 117 applications were received from Anambra State out of over 38,000 nationwide as of April 7, 2026.

According to him, the outreach programme was designed to address the imbalance and encourage greater participation from youths in the region, particularly as the deadline for the 91 Regular Recruits Intake approaches on May 27, 2026.

Nnabuihe emphasized that the Army offers a structured career path, national service opportunities, and professional development, urging eligible young people to take advantage of the recruitment drive.

Also speaking, Lieutenant Colonel Ogbemudia Osawe noted that the Army has expanded its training infrastructure, including new facilities in Abakaliki and Osogbo, to accommodate more recruits.

He highlighted several benefits available to personnel, including steady salary, career progression, military education, specialized training, healthcare for families, pensions, and opportunities for international assignments.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development, Ifeatu Emodi, attributed the low turnout to misconceptions and misinformation about military service, stressing the need for awareness campaigns.

Similarly, a traditional ruler, Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche, urged youths in the South-East to enlist, noting that increased participation would improve regional representation in the military.

The sensitisation event attracted a broad cross-section of young people and forms part of ongoing efforts to boost enlistment from the South-East region.