The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Col. Taoreed Lagbaja, has voiced significant concerns regarding the low levels of Army recruitment from Rivers State and the wider South-South and Southeast regions, in a recent visit led by Brig.-Gen. Wiito Nzidee, Acting Director of Supply and Transport Services, the Army aimed to sensitize local leaders and stakeholders about the importance of motivating youth to pursue careers in the military.
During the outreach, Brig.-Gen. Nzidee emphasized that Rivers State is currently underutilizing its recruitment quota compared to other South-South states. He highlighted that this trend not only affects national security but also limits opportunities for local youth, who could benefit from the numerous advantages that military service provides. “Rivers State must fill its quota; otherwise, it will continue to be underrepresented in the Army,” Nzidee stated, urging community leaders to take action.
Nzidee elaborated on the potential benefits of joining the military, including educational opportunities, skills development, and medical care, which could greatly improve the lives of the state’s youth. He noted that recruiting young people into the Army could also help mitigate the high rates of unemployment and crime, issues that are prevalent in the region. “If our youth are engaged in productive careers, they are less likely to be involved in criminal activities,” he said.
The COAS’s concerns are particularly relevant given the ongoing security challenges facing the Niger Delta. The visit included plans for Nzidee and his team to tour various local government areas, directly engaging with young men and women to encourage enlistment in the Army.
During a separate meeting with Rivers State officials, Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, assured the Army team of the state’s commitment to facilitating recruitment initiatives. He pledged to collaborate closely with local government chairmen and traditional rulers to spread the message of military opportunities, ensuring that communities are well-informed about the recruitment process.
Nzidee’s visit represents a concerted effort to enhance military representation in Rivers and neighboring states, fostering a stronger sense of community involvement in national defense. With calls for collaboration from various sectors, the Nigerian Army aims to build a more robust recruitment pipeline, ultimately contributing to improved security and stability in the region.
