Nigerian Army Dismisses Rumours of Compulsory Recruitment

The Nigerian Army has dismissed online claims that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, intends to forcibly recruit Nigerians aged 18 and above.

Acting Director of Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, described the viral post as “malicious fabrication” aimed at misleading the public and creating panic. The post had suggested that the COAS threatened compulsory enlistment for youths who do not volunteer and alleged that 10,000 soldiers recruited last year had gone missing.

Anele clarified that these claims are false and stressed that the COAS has never made such statements. She warned that individuals spreading false or inflammatory information would be tracked, apprehended, and prosecuted under the law.

The Army urged the public to disregard the rumour and to rely only on official communications and verified social media accounts for accurate updates.