The Chief of Army Staff has warned that the military may consider compulsory national service if Nigerian youths continue to avoid joining the army. He made the comment while speaking on the challenges of recruitment and the need to strengthen the country’s security forces.
The Army Chief said many young people were unwilling to enlist despite ongoing recruitment drives. He noted that the situation was affecting manpower needs. According to him, “If Nigeria youths refuse to join the army, we will make it mandatory for everybody from the age of 18 and above to join.”
He also raised concern about the status of recent recruits. He said the army had yet to account for a significant number of those enlisted last year. “The 10,000 we recruited last year are nowhere to be found,” he said.
His remarks reflect growing anxiety within the military about low participation rates and the pressure placed on existing personnel. The army has expanded its operations in recent years due to armed groups, banditry, and other security threats across the country.
The warning suggests that the military is exploring policy options to ensure a steady flow of new recruits. It also signals a possible shift toward compulsory service if voluntary enlistment continues to fall.
The army has not released details on how mandatory service would work or when such a policy might be introduced. The statement, however, indicates rising concern about the force’s capacity to meet current and future security demands.
