The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has dismissed a viral video claiming that the Armed Forces plan to forcefully recruit citizens aged 18 and above. The military described the clip as false, misleading, and deliberately created to spread fear among the public.
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Defence Headquarters Reacts to the Viral Video
According to the Defence Headquarters, the video currently circulating on social media was produced using manipulated visuals and an artificial voice designed to imitate the Chief of Defence Staff. The statement explained that the message in the video does not reflect any instruction, proposal, or official action of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
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The Defence Headquarters stressed that forced enrolment does not exist and has never been part of Nigeria’s military recruitment system. They emphasized that all recruitment exercises remain voluntary and open only to eligible Nigerians who choose to apply.
Nigerian Army Also Denies the Allegation
The Nigerian Army released a separate statement dismissing another version of the rumor, which falsely claims that the Chief of Army Staff ordered compulsory recruitment for 18 year olds. The Army described the allegation as a fabricated message created to generate panic and confusion.
The Army further explained that the claim about thousands of missing recruits is untrue. According to the military, all recruitment activities follow a documented and transparent process, and there is no situation of missing personnel as suggested by the viral content.
Growing Concerns About Digital Misinformation
Military authorities noted that digital manipulation is becoming more common, making it easier for misleading videos to spread quickly. The Defence Headquarters cautioned Nigerians not to rely on unverified videos or anonymous posts. Instead, they encouraged the public to seek updates from official Defence Headquarters communication channels.
Recruitment Remains Voluntary in Nigeria
The Armed Forces reaffirmed that Nigeria upholds international standards that prevent forced recruitment. The military emphasized that joining the Army, Navy, or Air Force is entirely voluntary and follows a structured process open to interested and qualified applicants.
What Nigerians Should Do When They See Similar Videos
The military advised the public to be more careful when sharing sensitive information online. Before accepting any alarming message, Nigerians are encouraged to verify it through official platforms. The Defence Headquarters added that false information can create unnecessary tension and disrupt public trust.
Conclusion
The claim that the Nigerian Armed Forces intend to forcefully recruit 18 year olds has been fully denied by military authorities. The video spreading this claim is fake and manipulated. As misinformation continues to increase online, Nigerians are urged to depend on credible sources for accurate security updates. The military maintains that its recruitment process remains voluntary, transparent, and based on established guidelines.
Source: Nigeria Startup Act – Nigeria Armed Forces Denies Video on Forced Recruitment of 18-Year-Olds
https://www.nigeriastartupact.ng/nigeria-armed-forces-denies-video-on-forced-recruitment-of-18-year-olds/