The Nigerian Army has refuted claims circulating online that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, plans to forcibly recruit Nigerians aged 18 and above.
In a statement on Friday, Acting Director of Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, called the viral posts “malicious fabrications” intended to mislead the public and create unnecessary fear. The posts had alleged that the COAS threatened compulsory enlistment for youths who do not volunteer and claimed that 10,000 soldiers recruited last year had gone missing.
Anele emphasized that these allegations are completely false and that the COAS has never made such statements in any forum. She warned that anyone spreading false or provocative information would be identified, arrested, and prosecuted under the law.
The Army urged Nigerians to ignore the rumours and rely solely on verified official channels for accurate information.
