IPOB Lawyer: Igbo Youths Shun Army Over Trust Issues, Not Fear

A lawyer for the detained IPOB leader says many Igbo youths avoid enlisting in the Nigerian Army because they distrust the institution, not because they lack courage. He was responding to concerns raised by the Chief of Army Staff at a passing-out parade in Ebonyi State, where low South-East enlistment rates were highlighted. The lawyer pointed to historical grievances, including memories of the 1967 crisis and recent operations in Nkpor, Aba, Obigbo and Port Harcourt. He also criticised the reintegration of former insurgents alongside new recruits. He argued that this hesitation is a form of peaceful protest against perceived marginalisation rather than a lack of patriotism. Army officials maintain the recruitment process is transparent and continue to urge youths from the region to apply.

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