The Nigerian Army has expressed concern over low enlistment from the South-East, revealing that only 117 applications were received from Anambra State out of 38,000 nationwide as of April 7. The disclosure was made in Awka during a sensitisationcampaign aimed at increasing participation ahead of the May 27 deadline for the 91 Regular Recruits Intake.
Speaking during the awareness visit, Brig.-Gen. Uche Nnabuihe, who led the Army delegation, described the low turnout from the region as troubling and underscored the need for urgent intervention. He explained that the sensitisation exercise was designed to address the imbalance and encourage more young people from Anambra and the wider South-East to apply.
“We observed with concern that out of 38,000 applications received nationwide, only 117 came from Anambra as of April 7,” Nnabuihe said. “This sensitisation is to correct that imbalance and encourage our youths to take advantage of opportunities in the Nigerian Army.”
He urged eligible candidates to participate in the recruitment process, noting that the Army offers a structured career path alongside the opportunity to serve the nation.
Also speaking, Lt.-Col. Ogbemudia Osawe said the Army had expanded its training capacity, with new institutions established in Abakaliki and Osogbo to accommodate more recruits. He highlighted key benefits of enlistment, including career progression, a regular salary, continuous military education, specialised training, and exposure to diverse cultures.
Osawe added that personnel also benefit from welfare packages such as free medical care for their families, pensions, gratuities, and opportunities for international assignments.
Reacting to the development, Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Youths, Mr. Ifeatu Emodi, commended the Army’s outreach, describing military enlistment as vital for young people in the South-East. He attributed the region’s declining interest largely to misconceptions and misinformation about military service.
Similarly, the traditional ruler of Enugwu-Agidi, Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche, praised the Army’s welfare structure and called on young people to enlist, stressing that increased participation would enhance the region’s representation within the force.
