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Southeast Youth Defy IPOB Warning as Over 10,000 Apply for Nigerian Army Recruitment
Southeast Youth Defy IPOB Warning as Over 10,000 Apply for Nigerian Army Recruitment
By Zagazola Makama
In a significant demonstration of patriotism, more than 10,000 youths from the Southeast geopolitical zone have applied to join the Nigerian Army as part of the ongoing 89 Regular Recruits Intake (RRI), defying a recent controversial press release issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
This remarkable surge in applications from the five Southeastern states Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo comes less than 48 hours after IPOB issued a strongly worded statement discouraging Igbo youths from enlisting in the Army. The separatist group claimed that the Nigerian Army exploits Igbo recruits and sacrifices them in conflicts primarily located in the North, warning that those who join would “return in disgrace or not return at all.”
However, the sentiments expressed by the youth across the region tell a different story. From Onitsha to Nsukka, Aba to Owerri, and Umuahia to Abakaliki, many young individuals are embracing the opportunity to serve in the Nigerian Army, viewing it as a pathway to national service and personal development.
Data gathered prominent cybercafés across the Southeast, where applications for recruitment are submitted online. Inside a popular cybercafé on Ogui Road in Enugu, Ifeanyi Eze, a 19-year-old applicant from Oji River, stated, “I don’t believe in IPOB’s lies. My brother is in the Army, and he has not only been promoted but has also traveled for United Nations Peacekeeping Missions. He supports our family. I want to follow that path.” Chinaza Ugochukwu from Abia State added, “It’s a job that gives pride and purpose. Serving Nigeria is not a crime. IPOB doesn’t feed us. The Army can give us a future.” Nkemakolam Okafor, an applicant from Orlu, remarked, “It’s not just about joining the military; it’s about reclaiming our dignity and our stake in Nigeria. We’ve been misled for too long. I’m Igbo and proud, but I’m also Nigerian.”
Reliable information available to Zagazola confirms that the 89 Regular Recruits Intake, which commenced online registration just ten days ago, has already recorded over 87,000 applications from across Nigeria, with more than 10,000 applications from the Southeast alone. This number is expected to rise further before the application deadline, indicating that Igbo youth view the Nigerian Army not as an adversary but as a platform for career development, social mobility, and national service. The overwhelming number of applicants from the Southeast contradicts IPOB’s portrayal of the Nigerian Army as antagonistic towards the Igbo people and reflects a growing rejection of separatist propaganda and a renewed commitment to national service, patriotism, and unity.
A Military Without Borders
Contrary to IPOB’s claims, the Nigerian Army operates as a national institution without ethnic, religious, or sectional bias. It serves as a melting pot of Nigeria’s diversity, united by discipline, merit, and loyalty to the Constitution.
The assertion that Igbo soldiers are marginalized or targeted within the Army is a blatant mischaracterization. In reality, numerous Igbo officers have risen through the ranks to attain high positions of authority, including Major Generals, General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Commandants of military institutions, and Principal Staff Officers at Army Headquarters and the Defence Headquarters. Notably, two Major Generals of Igbo origin, who are siblings, currently hold prominent roles in the Nigerian Army. This serves as clear evidence that Igbo people have equal opportunities for career growth and leadership within the Army.
Additionally, several Igbo officers have served as Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the highest-ranking position in the Nigerian Army, and others have held the position of Chief of Policy and Plans (Deputy COAS), which is crucial for shaping military strategies and operations. If the Army were truly discriminatory towards Igbo people, these high-ranking positions would not be occupied by Igbo officers. Furthermore, the most senior officer responsible for enlisting new officers into the Nigerian Army is an Igbo officer, who also oversees personnel postings and promotions, further proving that ethnicity is not a barrier to career progression in the military.
IPOB’s Misinformation and the Danger of Silence
It is vital to recognize the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, who risk their lives daily to combat terrorism and insurgency throughout the country. The Nigerian Army has been at the forefront of the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorist organizations, often under challenging conditions. Claims made by IPOB that soldiers are sent to their deaths or treated as expendable are not only false but also disrespectful to the courage and commitment of the armed forces.
Furthermore, IPOB’s assertion that the Nigerian Army is secretly recruiting soldiers for a war against “Sahelian nations” on behalf of “Western imperialists” is baseless and lacks factual evidence. The Nigerian military’s operations in the Sahel are part of a broader strategy to ensure regional stability and security, crucial for the safety of all Nigerians, including those in the Southeast. It is disheartening to see IPOB attempt to manipulate these complex issues to incite fear among the youth.
The call for Igbo youths to abandon military service in favor of farming is an irresponsible and misleading suggestion that undermines the contributions of many who have chosen to serve their country. Service in the armed forces is a noble profession that offers opportunities for personal growth, education, and leadership. The narrative that joining the Nigerian Army leads to disgrace or demise is damaging and perpetuates misinformation that can deter young people from pursuing honorable careers in defense of their nation. It is crucial for the youth to understand that the Nigerian Army is not an enemy but a protector of the nation’s unity. Joining the military is a way to contribute positively to society, stand against the forces that threaten peace and security, and build a future where all ethnicities can coexist harmoniously.
While IPOB portrays the military as a hindrance to Igbo aspirations, the reality is that the Nigerian Army has served as a ladder for success for thousands of Southeastern officers and soldiers. Many have attended advanced military academies worldwide, participated in international peacekeeping missions, and returned home to contribute to their communities. The Army offers structured promotions, access to higher education, and an opportunity.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
Southeast Youth Defy IPOB Warning as Over 10,000 Apply for Nigerian Army Recruitment
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
By: Our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected by the recent terrorist attack by Boko Haram on the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The President mourns the loss of innocent lives, including military personnel, and those caught in friendly fire during the aerial interdiction of fleeing terrorists by the Air Force.
He describes the attack by the terrorists as a heartless assault on hapless citizens, urging Nigerians in Borno and elsewhere not to succumb to fear.
President Tinubu commends the military for their swift response, which led to the killing of scores of terrorists and their subsequent forced retreat.
He charges the military and other security agencies to work urgently to rescue those kidnapped by the terrorists.
Additionally, he directs the armed forces to intensify their efforts to protect civilians nationwide and prevent attacks on military installations in the North East.
President Tinubu prays for the souls of those who lost their lives in the attacks and friendly fire and extends his sympathies to their families and the Borno State Government.
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Borno State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently marked the 2026 World International Civil Defence Day with a weeklong series of activities, themed “Towards a safer society.”
A statement by the command’s spokesperson CSC Bulus James, stated that the celebration began with briefings and sensitization of staff on NSCDC’s critical roles in Crisis Management, Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Counter-terrorism, and VIP Protection.
On Thursday, 26th February 2026, officers and men, led by Acting Commandant DCC Obe Ndubuisi, embarked on a road match from the State Headquarters through the Kano Motor Park community and concluded at the headquarters, where the Acting Commandant delivered speeches on behalf of Commandant CC Ahmed Bello Gaya, including messages from the Commandant General and the State Commandant.
On the 27th February, 2026, Muslim faithfuls gathered at Al-Ansar Masjid for Jumaat prayers, with ACG CBRNE Hameed Abudurin from NHQ Abuja in attendance as Special Guest of Honour.
He was also present at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of a joint special training program held at the Nigerian Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Training School, Maiduguri, in collaboration with UNMAS which offered him the opportunity to celebrate alongside the Muslim faithfuls.
Prayers were offered by the Chief Imam Borno State, and NSCDC. Worshippers expressed gratitude for NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and critical national assets.
This was followed by the grand finale at the NSCDC Glorious Chapel which held a special Sunday service at the Command’s multipurpose hall, attended by guests from sister security agencies on 1st March, 2026
Goodwill messages were delivered, followed by a keynote address from Commandant CC Ahmed Bello Gaya, delivered by Acting Commandant Obe Ndubuisi.
.DCC Paul Ochola delivered an exhortation on “Selfless Service to Humanity: Towards a Safer Environment.” The service concluded with pleasantries and a group photograph.
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commiserated with the people of Ngoshe affected by the recent Boko Haram attack, describing the incident as tragic.
Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza local government, was attacked on Tuesday evening, scores were killed, while others were abducted.
Addressing members of the community on Friday in Pulka, Governor Zulum said he personally came to sympathize with the affected people and families of those that lost their loved ones.
He assured that efforts are underway to rescue all those abducted, restore security, and provide humanitarian support to victims.
“We are here today to commiserate with the people of Ngoshe that have lost their loved ones following the unfortunate incident that occurred on Tuesday. The situation is very sad and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy,” Zulum said.
“I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to address the unfortunate situation that has befallen this community, and for those who have been abducted, the Nigerian military will do everything within its capacity to rescue them,” Zulum assured.
Governor Zulum explained that military operations are currently ongoing in Ngoshe and the Sambisa Forest to rid the area of criminal elements.
“There are ongoing military operations within the Sambisa Game Reserve. What we witnessed yesterday was largely a result of insurgents being pushed out from their strongholds, which led them to launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities,” he explained.
He called on the Nigerian Army to intensify operations to clear insurgents from the Mandara Hills which he described as a major security threat.
“The Mandara Hills remain a major security concern. The insurgents descended from the hills to attack this town. Therefore, I call on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to clear Mandara Hills of insurgents,” Zulum said.
The governor noted that the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as assessments are still ongoing, but acknowledged that several lives were lost while others were abducted.
As part of immediate humanitarian intervention, the governor said the state government had begun distributing relief materials and establishing cooking points to provide food for displaced residents.
“For now, we will distribute food items to those affected and I have directed that cooking points be established so that everyone in this community can receive meals from a central kitchen,” he said.
The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that Borno State government will double its efforts to end this madness. “We shall not relent in our commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the state,” he said.
“I strongly believe that with sustained military operations and cooperation between all levels of government, we will overcome this challenge. Insha Allah, peace will return fully to our land,” the governor added.
Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum inspected houses burned during an attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Thursday in Konduga town.
Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style
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