The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stern warning to youths from the South-East region, urging them to refrain from participating in the ongoing recruitment exercise advertised by the Nigerian Army.
In a statement released by IPOB’s media and publicity secretary, Emma Powerful, the group cautioned against joining the army, alleging its depleted state.
The Nigerian Army recently announced the commencement of fresh recruitment for interested and eligible Nigerians. However, IPOB has voiced concerns, citing what it perceives as a precarious situation within the military.
According to IPOB, terrorist groups operating in the North are actively working to establish an Islamic State, leading to conflict with the Nigerian government and military. This conflict, they claim, has resulted in a depletion of military manpower.
Highlighting various factors contributing to the alleged depletion, IPOB pointed to low morale, tribalism, nepotism, and poor salaries within the Nigerian Army. These issues, they argue, have prompted many soldiers to opt for voluntary retirement or desertion.
“The terrorists are seeking to create their own Islamic State in the North. These terrorists declared war on the Nigerian government and her soldiers and have successfully depleted the Nigerian Military’s manpower,” IPOB’s statement asserted.
Furthermore, the group emphasized that the Nigerian Army’s recruitment drives, occurring almost biannually, are indicative of the challenges it faces in maintaining adequate personnel.
“It is imperative to inform the Nigerian youths especially the Biafran youths to avoid being recruited by the Nigeria Army to be sent to be sacrificed for terrorism business of the cabals,” IPOB added.
