The Nigerian Army has officially dismissed circulating reports suggesting plans to introduce compulsory military service for all citizens aged 18 years and above. The clarification came through the Army's official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, November 21, 2025.
Army Responds to Viral Claim
In a swift response to the spreading misinformation, the Nigerian Army labeled the reports as completely false. The viral claim had alleged that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu threatened to make military service mandatory if Nigerian youths continued to show reluctance in joining the armed forces.
The supposed statement attributed to General Shaibu read: "If Nigerian youths refuse to join the army, we will make it mandatory for everybody from the age of 18 and above to join." However, military authorities have confirmed this statement was never made by the Army Chief.
Public Reaction to the Alleged Plan
The rumor sparked widespread reactions across social media platforms, with Nigerians expressing mixed opinions about the possibility of compulsory military service.
One X user, @AuditorSUN, expressed skepticism about official denials, stating: "We've seen this pattern before. The government once insisted the reports of targeted attacks on Christians were 'fake'. So when officials rush to debunk something, experience has taught us to look closer, not relax."
Another user, @dharmyteeOL, commented: "It had better be, because I won't be joining an Army that rehabilitates bandits, Boko harams and their likes to incorporate them into the Nigerian Army."
Some users displayed outright rejection of the idea, with @Traderfestus stating: "It better be fake news cause you can't force me to join the military, I go first wound. It's as simple as that, I no get time."
However, not all reactions were negative. @Dmeyoulove2hate suggested an alternative approach: "Even if it were not, every undergraduate should be sent for mandatory short service instead of the NYSC and mandatory 2 years service, that is the best way to instill the love of country."
Army Chief's Actual Position on Security
Contrary to the false reports, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has consistently emphasized the Army's commitment to tackling rising insecurity during his operational visits across the country.
During his recent visit to One Division in Kaduna, the Army Chief reassured Nigerians that ongoing military operations would soon yield positive results despite growing public concerns about security challenges.
General Shaibu urged troops to maintain professionalism and dedication while commissioning a new soldiers' cafeteria and meeting with senior officers to discuss operational strategies.
The Army Chief's actual statements focus on strengthening voluntary recruitment and enhancing the capabilities of existing personnel rather than considering compulsory service.
Recent Military Successes
Meanwhile, the Nigerian military continues to record successes in various operations across the country. Recent reports indicate that troops of 8 Division/Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, eliminated several terrorists and bandits during clearance operations in Kebbi State on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
Military sources confirmed that this operation was separate from efforts to rescue the 25 students abducted from Government Secondary School in Maga, demonstrating the Army's multifaceted approach to addressing security threats nationwide.
The Nigerian Army maintains that its recruitment process remains voluntary and encourages interested qualified Nigerians to apply through official channels rather than believing in circulating false information about compulsory service requirements.
