The Nigerian Army has officially dismissed a viral social media post that claimed it would force all Nigerians aged 18 and above to join the military. The false claim had circulated online, causing public concern. Army authorities labeled the publication as fake and misleading, urging the public to disregard it .
This clarification comes at a time when the Army is pursuing genuine, large-scale recruitment to strengthen its operational capacity. The Army is also facing parallel legislative efforts in the Senate to reform military laws and formally prohibit the recruitment of minors.
In a statement, the Nigerian Army said it maintains a clear and official procedure for announcing recruitment exercises. It stressed that authentic information is only published through its verified official platforms. The public was urged to ignore the fake post in circulation . The Army's denial aimed to prevent confusion and stop the spread of deliberately misleading information.
The viral post had appeared in various forms on social media. One version suggested mandatory service for all youths from age 18. Another falsely claimed that the Army's "90th regular recruitment intake" would begin on 15 September 2025 . Africa Check, a fact-checking organization, confirmed these posts were false. It noted that the Nigerian Army's official website and social media accounts had no such announcements . The Army had previously used its official X account to debunk the same claim on 5 September 2025 .
Alongside denying false claims, the Army is moving forward with a major real recruitment plan. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has announced a drive to recruit and train 24,000 new soldiers . He made the announcement during an operational visit to the 1 Division headquarters in Kaduna. The goal is to boost the Army's operational strength across the nation .
Lieutenant General Shaibu explained the need for more personnel. He said the area of responsibility is vast and security challenges are dynamic. To meet these threats effectively, we need boots on the ground, he stated . The plan involves using three new training facilities approved by President Bola Tinubu. The Army expects to train 12,000 soldiers within six months. By running two training streams, it could double that number to 24,000 ready for deployment .
The Army Chief emphasized that this initiative is not just about increasing numbers. He said the focus is on quality and operational effectiveness. The new soldiers will receive rigorous training in modern warfare, tactical operations, weapon handling, and leadership principles . This is a desperate time for our nation, Shaibu said. The soldiers we train must be ready to tackle the multifaceted security challenges we face .
He also reaffirmed the Army's commitment to the "Soldier First" concept. This promises expanded welfare and support programs for both newly recruited and existing personnel . The recruitment drive is expected to significantly enhance manpower. This will allow for more effective coverage of critical areas and a faster response to threats .
While the Army plans to recruit more adults, the Senate is working to stop the recruitment of children. Lawmakers have passed the Armed Forces (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2025, for a second reading. This bill specifically aims to end the recruitment of anyone under 18 years old into the military .
Sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua of Katsina Central, the bill proposes to scrap the current Armed Forces Act of 2004. It would replace it with a new, constitutionally grounded framework . Senator Yar’Adua said the reform was long overdue. He noted the existing law was originally from a military decree and no longer fits Nigeria's democratic reality . Our Armed Forces are a symbol of national unity and pride, but the laws guiding them have not evolved at the same pace as our democracy, he said .
If approved, the new law would bring military recruitment policy in line with the Child Rights Act of 2003. It would also align Nigeria with international standards like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child . The bill has been referred to the Senate Joint Committee on Army, Navy, and Air Force. This committee is expected to present its report within four weeks .
The false conscription claim and the Senate's legislative action show the challenges facing the Nigerian Army. It must build public trust while expanding its forces and reforming its legal foundation. In early November, the Army also had to refute a separate fake news story. This one falsely claimed that a Brigade Commander was abducted during an attack in Borno State . The Army said troops fought through an ambush and forced insurgents to withdraw. It confirmed two soldiers and two Civilian Joint Task Force members died in the encounter .
Lieutenant General Shaibu has also taken steps to reinvigorate the Army's leadership. Soon after his confirmation as Chief of Army Staff, he approved the redeployment of many senior officers to key command and staff positions . This move aims to strengthen command structures and reposition the Army for better operational effectiveness .
The Nigerian Army's message is clear. It asks the public to rely only on its official channels for accurate recruitment information. It continues to encourage young Nigerians to pursue military careers, emphasizing the value of discipline and patriotism . The official recruitment process is conducted online through https://recruitment.army.mil.ng, and the Army reminds applicants that the process is always free .