The Nigerian Army has refuted online reports alleging that it plans to enforce compulsory military service for citizens aged 18 and above.
In a statement posted on its verified X account on November 21, the Army labelled the report as “fake news,” insisting that the claim attributed to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, is entirely false.
The viral publication, posted by a website called Spynigeria.ng, claimed that the Army would forcefully recruit young Nigerians due to low voluntary enlistment and alleged that 10,000 recruits from the previous year were missing. The Army dismissed all allegations.
The clarification comes amid a rise in terrorist attacks across the country, including the recent abduction of schoolchildren. During his visit to Kebbi State, the Chief of Army Staff directed troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA to intensify search-and-rescue efforts for the abducted students of Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga.
