Why Are Southern Youths Abandoning The Army? By Tahir Ahmad
As the Nigerian Army closed its 89th Regular Recruits Intake on May 17, 2025, one troubling fact stood out: the low turnout of young people from Southern Nigeria. While thousands from the North came forward, ready to serve their country, the South, including states like Lagos, Rivers, Delta, Enugu, and Abia, showed far fewer applicants.
This is more than a recruitment issue — it reveals deeper problems of trust, fear, and identity among Southern youths when it comes to the military.
In northern states like Kaduna and Borno, thousands applied despite ongoing conflicts and risks. But in the South, the numbers dropped sharply—Lagos recorded a 25% decrease, Rivers 30%, and Delta 38%. Enugu and Abia saw similar low figures compared to their quotas. This is not just a coincidence; it reflects long-standing concerns and feelings.
Many Southern youths avoid the army because they fear being posted to dangerous conflict zones, especially in the North-East. They hear stories about soldiers lacking proper equipment, poor support, and delayed pay. For them, the army seems risky and unwelcoming, not a place to build a future.
Historical wounds from the Nigerian Civil War also linger, especially among the Igbo in the South-East. For many families, the military is still linked to past oppression. This mistrust has been passed down through generations, making joining the army feel like betraying their people.
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Even those willing to serve often feel sidelined once inside. Stories of slower promotions and fewer leadership chances for Southern officers are common. When it seems the military favors some regions over others, many Southern youths choose different paths for their careers.
Separatist ideas gaining ground in parts of the South-East and South-West also influence this attitude. Some youths see federal institutions like the military as outsiders and joining as siding with a system that does not fully accept them.
This growing distance from the army weakens the nation. A strong military needs to represent all parts of Nigeria. When Southern youths stay away, the army loses important diversity and strength. It also loses a chance to offer young people valuable skills, training, and career opportunities beyond combat roles.
The Nigerian Army must do more than improve its image. It must engage with communities, address fears honestly, and prove that promotions and postings are fair to all. Not every soldier has to fight on the front lines—there are many roles in medicine, engineering, cyber security, and civil support where talents can be used.
Most importantly, Southern youths need to see leaders from their regions in visible positions of authority. When they see officers who share their background and language, it builds trust and hope that the military truly includes everyone.
Patriotism cannot be forced, but it can be inspired. The military must listen to why Southern youths are staying away and work hard to earn their trust. At the same time, Southern youths should consider what national service means—for their future and for Nigeria’s unity.
The silence from the South is loud. And in a country this fragile, silence is more than just absence—it is a risk we cannot afford.
