By Anamati Inyang, 21st November 2025
The Nigerian Army has dismissed a viral publication claiming that the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu planned to forcibly recruit Nigerians aged 18 and above into military service.
The rebuttal was issued in Abuja on Friday by the Acting Director Army Public Relations Lt Col Appolonia Anele.
Anele explained that the viral post falsely alleged that the Army Chief threatened compulsory enlistment for youths who failed to volunteer for service. It also claimed that 10000 soldiers recruited last year had gone missing.
The spokesperson described the allegations as a malicious fabrication aimed at misleading the public and inciting fear.
She stressed that the COAS never made such statements in any forum and urged those peddling falsehoods to desist warning that anyone found culpable would be tracked apprehended and prosecuted according to the law.
Anele advised Nigerians to disregard the rumour and rely solely on verified official communication platforms for accurate information.
