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

UNODC: Human Trafficking, Assault on Human Dignity Not Just A Crime

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has described human trafficking as an assault on human dignity not just a crime.

Speaking at the 27th National Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum (NSCF) on Human Trafficking organised by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Wednesday in Abuja, the Country Representative of the UNODC in Nigeria, Cheikh Toure, while lauding Nigeria’s fight against Human trafficking, said: “Human trafficking isn’t just a crime, it’s an assault on dignity, a drag on development, and a threat to national security.”

Toure added that: “This forum remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s national response to trafficking. It’s where policy meets practice, federal and state actors converging around a shared vision of a trafficking-free Nigeria.”

He noted that “the importance of a multisectoral, victim-focused, and relentless response,” while acknowledging the joint efforts of NAPTIP and UNODC under the “From Policy to Action” project, supported by the Swiss government.

He also lauded the DG of NAPTIP for her leadership role and also commended contributions from the Attorney General, of the federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), state governments, development partners including the European Union (EU), France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD, and various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the war against human trafficking.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who gave the keynote address, called on state’s Commissioners for Women Affairs to leverage on their strategic positions to advocate and influence state budgets and policies.

He said: “I urge Commissioners for Women Affairs across the country to leverage their strategic positions to advocate and influence state-level policies, budgets, and programmes that directly or indirectly impact trafficking and exploitation.

“Creation of a budget line for State Task Force activities is highly recommended as it would also guarantee the institutionalization of State Task Forces on human Trafficking in the states.”

In his words “The Federal Ministry of Justice remains committed to supporting NAPTIP through continuous policy formulation, legal reforms, strategic coordination, and high-level advocacy. Let me assure you that we will continue to work closely with NAPTIP and other partners to ensure that the legal and institutional frameworks for tackling trafficking remain dynamic, responsive, and effective.

The Swiss Ambassador to Belgium and NATO, Jacques Pitteloud, in his goodwill message also lauded Nigeria’s progress and reaffirmed Switzerland’s long-term support.

He called for international cooperation in addressing root causes of trafficking and commended NAPTIP’s efforts under the “From Policy to Action” project.

“Our partnership with Nigeria goes beyond financial contribution. It is built on trust, shared priorities, and joint ownership. We’re especially encouraged by the involvement of local governments, signaling a grassroots approach to combating trafficking,” Pitteloud said.

He also noted the development of a new dashboard and reporting hub, as well as the inclusion of critical actors like the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the national response.

Speaking earlier, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, in her welcome address highlighted key achievements under the agency’s 5Ps strategy: Policy, Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership.

She noted that over 7,000 victims have been rescued between 2022 and 2024, with 205 convictions secured within the same period.

She also announced the development of new digital tools to enhance data reporting, increased public awareness campaigns, the inauguration of over 200 Anti-TIP school vanguards, and the expansion of State Task Forces to 24 states.

“We are proud of the milestones achieved, from setting up the Human Trafficking Digital Centre in Katsina to revamping our training center with German support. Yet, the road ahead requires deeper collaboration and renewed commitment at all levels,” Bello said.

UNODC: Human Trafficking, Assault on Human Dignity Not Just A Crime

Troops Repel Bandit Attack, Rescue Lower Sharia Court Judge in Katsina State

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops have successfully repelled a bandit attack in Mahuta Village, Dandume Local Government Area (LGA), Katsina State, and rescued a prominent local judge, Mr. Rabiu Tukur, following the abduction of six residents on April 8, 2025.

Zagazola Makama informed by security sources that three attack occurred around 11:55 p.m. when armed bandits stormed the village, kidnapping six individuals, including Mr. Tukur, a 49-year-old judge with the Lower Sharia Court, Dandume.

The troops engaged the bandits in a fierce confrontation, successfully rescuing Mr. Tukur without any harm.

Efforts to locate and rescue the remaining five victims are ongoing, with security forces intensifying search and rescue operations in the surrounding areas.

Troops Repel Bandit Attack, Rescue Lower Sharia Court Judge in Katsina State