Army Debunks Forced Military Recruitment Claim, Describes Allegations as Malicious
The Nigerian Army has debunked a viral publication alleging that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, planned to forcefully recruit Nigerians aged 18 and above into military service.
The Army dismissed the claim in a statement released on Friday in Abuja by the Acting Director, Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, the viral post falsely claimed that the COAS threatened compulsory conscription for youths who fail to voluntarily enlist, and further alleged that 10,000 soldiers recruited last year had gone missing.
But the Army spokesperson described the allegations as “malicious fabrication” deliberately crafted to mislead the public and incite fear.”
Anele stressed that the claims were entirely baseless, noting that the COAS never made such remarks “at any time or in any forum.”
She warned individuals and groups spreading false, inciting information to desist, adding that anyone found culpable would be tracked, apprehended, and prosecuted according to the law.
