The Indigenous People of Biafra has cautioned South-East youths against enlisting in the Nigerian Army, warning that they risk being deployed to volatile regions and exposed to terrorist threats.
In a statement by its spokesperson Tuesday, Emma Powerful, IPOB alleged that the Nigerian military has historically exhibited ethnic bias, often sending recruits from the South to dangerous zones dominated by terrorist groups such as Boko Haram.
The group advised youths in the region to return home and pursue farming or other productive ventures instead of enlisting in a system it claims has consistently marginalised soldiers from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
The statement partly read, “The global family of IPOB once more urges Biafran youths to refrain from joining the recent Nigerian Army recruitment. Before considering joining the Nigerian Army, reflect on this: ‘What has happened to those who enlisted a few years back?’ You might be astonished that numerous individuals have fallen victim to the Boko Haram violence and other terrorist organisations’ acts in the North.
“We have witnessed viral clips and reports about Nigerian soldiers fighting insurgency in the North expressing grievances over insufficient allowances, food, medical care, and equipment. These Nigerian soldiers are exploited as scapegoats in the terrorism dealings between Nigerian politicians and their Western allies.
“We also possess documentation of military barracks and police stations in Northern Nigeria being taken over by terrorists. In exchange, the Federal Government and its deadly military compensate the terrorists responsible for killing the unaware soldiers with cash, employment, and scholarships under the guise of repentant terrorists, officially incorporating them into their security forces. Unknowingly, numerous young individuals have perished in battles fueled by ongoing sponsored insurgencies.
“No Biafran youth ought to position themselves as instruments for the Federal Government, ECOWAS, and Western imperialists to be deployed against the Sahel Nations. Any Igbo youth who enlists in the Nigerian Army, ‘your name will be regrettable’. You will either be offered up to the terrorists, captured and killed by the state, or be sacrificed to the courageous Sahelian soldiers.”
Speaking further, Powerful urged the region’s young people to reconsider their choices, highlighting what he described as a history of neglect, betrayal, and ethnic bias against Igbo soldiers.
He appealed to a deep sense of identity and survival, urging a return to traditional livelihoods.
He added, “In any case, you will either be killed or left with debilitating injuries. If you succeed in coming back alive, you will return in disgrace without any advantages from the Nigerian Army. Inquire of those involved in proxy wars whether they received compensation.
“Rather than joining the Nigerian Army, return to your village and pursue farming. Nigerians have consistently been unfair to their soldiers from various ethnic backgrounds.
“Simply envision your destiny as an Igbo warrior. As an indigenous Igbo individual, your achievement is seen as a risk to the Nigerian state. Your struggle against insurgency will be perceived as a conflict with the North.
“Consider this: where are the many brave young Igbo individuals who enlisted in the Nigerian Army since 2020? Numerous individuals have departed, while others are imprisoned by the Nigerian Army for seeking equality. “Be of service to Nigeria as an Igbo individual and return in disgrace.”(Punch)
