The Nigerian Army has called upon stakeholders and leaders in Rivers State and the wider South-South region to encourage their youths to join the military.

The appeal came in response to concerns over the low representation of Rivers indigenes in recent recruitment drives.Brigadier General Wiito Nzidee, Acting Director of Supply and Transport Services at Army Headquarters, led a sensitisation team to Port Harcourt to address the issue.

Speaking at a press conference at the 6 Division Garrison Command, he revealed that Rivers State has the lowest army representation among South-South states.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is concerned about this underrepresentation,” Brigadier General Nzidee explained. “He has tasked us with visiting the state to sensitise the public and encourage young people to take advantage of the ongoing 88 Regular Recruit intake.”

He stressed the importance of each state contributing to national security and warned against potential claims of marginalisation if quotas are not filled.

“It is our collective responsibility to encourage our youths to join the army,” he urged. “We must not allow other states to fill our quota.” Brigadier Nzidee highlighted the numerous benefits of military service, including academic opportunities, human capacity development, and comprehensive medical care. He also noted that enlisting young people can help reduce unemployment and crime rates within the state.

Brigadier General Sani Ahmed, Commander of 6 Division Garrison Command, further explained the team’s mandate and the opportunities available to youths in the Niger Delta.

During a visit to Tammy Danagogo, the Rivers State Secretary to the Government (SSG), the sensitisation team received a pledge of support. The SSG expressed his commitment to collaborating with the army to disseminate the message at the grassroots level.

However, the SSG also raised concerns about the perceived overlooking of Niger Delta youths in admissions to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). He urged the army to intensify advocacy and engagement efforts when NDA application forms are released.