Igbo Youths Avoid Army Recruitment Due to Distrust

Aloi Ejimakor, counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Nnamdi Kanu, commented on the low enlistment of Igbo youths in the Nigerian Army. He attributed this trend to a deep-seated distrust of the military, which he argues is rooted in historical marginalization and ethnic imbalance in Nigeria's security leadership.

Ejimakor noted that the military has repeatedly been perceived as acting against the interests of the Igbo people, particularly during crises, which has created a reluctance among Igbo youths to enlist. He cited specific incidents, such as the involvement of military forces in anti-Igbo actions and the historical context of violence against the Igbo during the Nigerian Civil War.

Ejimakor concluded that the low enlistment figures represent a quiet protest against perceived bias within the military, rather than a lack of valor among the youth. This commentary followed remarks by Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who lamented the persistently low recruitment numbers from the Southeast region.