Soludo Raises Alarm Over Declining Interest Among Igbo Youths in Army, Police

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has expressed concern over what he described as the declining willingness of young people from Igbo communities to join the Nigerian Army, Police Force and other security agencies.

Soludo made the remarks during a memorial service for retired Lieutenant-General Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor in Awka, Anambra State, where he called on Igbo youths to reconsider careers in the security services and play a more active role in national affairs.

“There is a phenomenon happening in Igbo land today. The perception of the armed forces amongst our youth is very, very bad. Our people are no longer joining the army, police or any security forces,” the governor said, according to reports published on October 11, 2026.

The governor’s comments reflect his concern that low enlistment from the South-East could affect the region’s representation within Nigeria’s security institutions.

Soludo has previously urged young people from Anambra and other South-Eastern states to participate more actively in recruitment exercises, arguing that joining national institutions is an important way for citizens to contribute to the country’s development.

In January 2026, he similarly raised concerns about low participation by applicants from Anambra in recent recruitment exercises for the Army and Police Force.

Soludo made the latest remarks while honouring the late Lieutenant-General Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor, a respected Nigerian military officer whose career extended into international peacekeeping. Obiakor served as a force commander with the United Nations Mission in Liberia and became the first African appointed as the UN Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations in 2008. He retired from the Nigerian Army in 2011.

The governor pointed to the achievements of officers such as Obiakor as examples that could encourage younger generations to consider military service and public responsibility. He also called on community leaders and elders to mentor young people and help rebuild positive perceptions of service in the country’s security institutions.

The governor’s remarks have renewed attention on recruitment and representation within Nigeria’s security agencies. However, his statement about Igbo youths no longer joining the services should be understood as his assessment of the situation, rather than proof that no Igbo applicants are enlisting.

Official recruitment figures would be needed to establish the scale of participation from the South-East and compare it with other regions.

Soludo’s message was ultimately a call for young people from the region to consider serving in the military, police and other security organisations as part of their contribution to Nigeria.