Brigadier‑General Uche Nnabuihe said that only 117 people from Anambra State applied for the Nigerian army’s latest recruitment drive, out of roughly 38,000 applications nationwide[1].
The shortfall matters because the army seeks balanced regional representation; under‑representation from the South‑east could strain force strength and affect deployment equity—an issue the military leadership is monitoring closely.
Anambra’s 117 applications represent less than 0.3% of the total pool, a stark contrast to the expected share based on the state’s population and historical contribution to the armed forces. The figure underscores a broader trend of low turnout in the South‑east, where cultural, economic, and informational factors may be deterring potential recruits.
In response, the defence ministry recently raised the maximum age for new enlistees from 35 to 42 years, hoping to widen the eligible pool and attract older candidates who possess valuable life experience[2]. The policy shift is part of a series of recruitment reforms aimed at reversing declining numbers across all regions.
Military officials say the age increase alone will not solve the disparity, and they are considering additional outreach, such as targeted information campaigns, and community engagement in South‑east towns. If successful, these measures could boost applications and restore a more even regional balance.
The army plans to review the next round of applications closely, with the goal of ensuring that no region is left behind in the nation’s defence roster.
“Only 117 applicants came from Anambra, a fraction of the 38,000 nationwide.”
What this means: The low application rate from Anambra signals a potential gap in the Nigerian army’s regional composition, which could affect operational readiness and national cohesion. By extending the age limit and planning targeted outreach, the military is attempting to broaden its recruitment base, but the effectiveness of these steps will depend on how quickly they can reverse the current shortfall in the South‑east.
