Military Lacks Power to Forcefully Recruit Nigerians’ — Retired Officers

Retired senior military officers have dismissed reports that the Nigerian Army plans to forcibly conscript citizens aged 18 and above, stressing that such action would violate the Constitution.

The officers noted that the Army has no legal authority to compel any Nigerian to enlist.

Their reaction followed a viral post claiming that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, had threatened mandatory enlistment for youths who fail to volunteer for service.

The Nigerian Army, through its Acting Director of Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, debunked the claim in a statement issued in Abuja last Friday, describing the allegation as false, misleading, and aimed at causing unnecessary fear among the public.

Speaking on the matter, former Deputy Director of Defence Administration at Defence Headquarters, Commodore Kunle Olawunmi (retd.), said compulsory recruitment cannot be implemented without legislative approval.

“You are talking about the military trying to conscript youths into the military. It is not something the military can do except it goes through the legislative arm. It is a constitutional requirement. It is not going to happen,” he said.

He added that Nigeria is not officially at war, noting, “You can only be at war if it is so declared. If you are not at war, why would you want to conscript people into the army?” Olawunmi further advised that instead of considering forced enlistment, authorities should address internal challenges affecting morale and motivation within the military.

Similarly, retired Army Colonel Yomi Dare affirmed that the Constitution does not permit forced recruitment.

“The military cannot force anyone. This is a constitutional issue. It must go before the National Assembly, pass through all due processes, and become law before such a move can happen,” he said.

Dare added that Nigerians should begin to view the military as a noble service deserving of commitment, recognition, and respect.