The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stern warning to South-East leaders, advising them not to encourage youths to join the Nigerian Army. IPOB expressed concerns over what it describes as unfair treatment of Igbo youths in the military recruitment process, accusing the Nigerian government of bias and ethnic prejudice.
The group claims that many Igbo soldiers are sent into dangerous conflict zones, particularly in the North, where they face threats from Boko Haram and other insurgents.
IPOB also criticized the military’s secrecy regarding casualties, alleging that many fallen soldiers from the South-East are being concealed or ignored.
Instead of joining the army, IPOB advocates for youths to seek better opportunities through local job creation, farming, and entrepreneurship. The group warned that military enlistment could expose young Igbo people to unnecessary dangers and urged regional leaders to focus on economic empowerment rather than military recruitment.
IPOB’s stance underscores its long-standing opposition to Nigeria’s military policies and its call for regional self-determination and development.
