Mutters As Nigerian Army Announces Free Recruitment

The Nigerian Army has launched a free recruitment drive, but many Nigerians have expressed concerns over pay, welfare, and the risks of joining the force.

The Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of its 89 Regular Recruit Intake, emphasizing that the recruitment process is free.

The announcement, posted on the Army’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, included a link to the application portal and a flyer detailing the requirements, selection process, and prohibited items.

“PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT FOR NIGERIAN ARMY 89 REGULAR RECRUIT INTAKE. RECRUITMENT INTO THE NIGERIAN ARMY IS FREE!!!” the statement read.

While the announcement was expected to attract prospective applicants, it instead sparked a wave of reactions from Nigerians expressing varying opinions about joining the military.

Some users questioned the incentives and safety of soldiers, citing concerns about poor welfare, low salaries, and the risks involved. A user, @Shadrach85, remarked, “Lol 49k salary to defend a country that doesn’t worth it. Y’all are insane.” Another user, @SolomonAjiriOgheneEyeye, criticized the treatment of personnel, stating, “After innocent youths sign up, you underfeed, underpay & underarm them in a war theatre. When they are injured and rendered invalid, you abandon them to treat themselves.”

Others outrightly rejected the idea of joining the military, regardless of salary or incentives. @Wyi_Gaius stated, “Even if it’s free and the salary is 200k, I will never join.” Similarly, @Dafiidii wrote, “Even if it’s more than free, I dey craze. Death is inevitable, but I cannot use my leg walk go where they will kpai me!!”

Some users, however, prayed for the safety of soldiers and those considering the opportunity. @Diekòla commented, “God bless and keep every one of you safe. Aameen.” Meanwhile, a few others had inquiries about the process. @BIG5 asked, “Can someone join the army as a computer scientist/technician? My job should be solely on the computer and probably camera-related stuff.”

There were also concerns about the recruitment portal’s functionality. @IMPÈRÎÜM pointed out, “Your login portal isn’t working,” while another user, @Toye, also complained about access issues.

Beyond concerns about pay and risks, some questioned the recruitment requirements, particularly the restriction on tattoos. @ManuelMowoe commented, “I still don’t understand why people with tattoos can’t join the army. You guys just lose prospective materials for nothing.”

The reactions reflect the skepticism many Nigerians have regarding military service, especially in light of ongoing security challenges and concerns over the welfare of personnel. While some still hold the military in high regard, the recruitment post highlights broader issues that the Nigerian Army may need to address to attract willing and qualified recruits.

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