Nigerian Army expresses concern over low South-East recruitment, Anambra records 117 applicants nationwide
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Nigerian Army has voiced concern regarding the low level of enrolment from the South-East region in its ongoing recruitment drive. As of April 7, Anambra State recorded only 117 applicants out of 38,000 applications received nationwide. This information was shared during a sensitisation event in Awka, Anambra State, led by Brig.-Gen. Uche Nnabuihe. This follows previous concerns raised in April 2025 by Chima Ekeator, leader of the 2025 army recruitment enlightenment team, who noted that the South-East was underrepresented, with only about 100 applications received for 200 allocated slots in a prior recruitment cycle. The current sensitisation aims to correct this imbalance and encourage more youths from Anambra and the South-East to apply before the May 27 deadline. Lt.-Col. Ogbemudia Osawe highlighted benefits of joining, including career progression, regular pay, continuous education, welfare packages, free medical care, and pension. The Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Youths, Ifeatu Emodi, and traditional ruler Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche of Enugwu-Agidi, commended the initiative, urging youths to enlist for better regional representation.
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