Nigerian army clarifies recruitment policy, debunks viral online fabrication

Nigerian army clarifies recruitment policy, debunks viral online fabrication

The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false a viral online report alleging plans to forcefully recruit Nigerians aged 18 and above into military service.

In a statement on Friday, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, described the claim—falsely attributed to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu—as a “malicious fabrication” aimed at misleading the public and inciting fear.

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The viral post alleged that the COAS threatened compulsory enlistment for youths who fail to voluntarily join the army and claimed that 10,000 soldiers recruited last year went missing. The army clarified that these assertions are entirely unfounded.

Lt.-Col. Anele warned individuals and groups circulating false and inflammatory information to desist, stating that those responsible would be tracked, apprehended, and prosecuted under the law.

She urged the public to rely only on verified official communication channels and social media accounts of the Nigerian Army for accurate updates on recruitment and other military matters.

Nigerian army clarifies recruitment policy, debunks viral online fabrication