The outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a public statement imploring Igbo traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organizations, and community leaders to avoid pushing young people in the South East to join the Nigerian Army.
IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, stated that the Nigerian Army is targeting powerful persons in the South East to urge military enlistment.
IPOB expressed worries that this campaign may not be in the best interests of Igbo youth.
The Biafra agitators raised concerns about unequal military recruiting and professional advancement prospects, claiming that the South East receives fewer opportunities than other regions.
Furthermore, they emphasized a perceived underrepresentation of Igbo officers in prominent military and security positions across the country.
The press release continued: “Before encouraging our youths to enlist, we urge community leaders to consider the track record of treatment toward officers of Igbo origin and the broader issues of equity, justice, and representation.”
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IPOB has expressed growing concern about the safety and well-being of soldiers, particularly those sent to combat zones, and has encouraged the Nigerian military to be more transparent about casualties in ongoing security operations.
The organization underlined its opposition to what it calls a ‘proxy conflict’ employing West African armies, arguing that regional authorities should prioritize youth empowerment through job development and economic inclusion above military recruiting.
Although IPOB is a separatist group renowned for its confrontational views, it used this opportunity to urge Igbo stakeholders to exercise prudence and critical deliberation when it comes to military enlistment campaigns.
As of the time of writing, the Nigerian Army had not responded to these charges.
