TDThe International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has accused successive Nigerian governments of implementing policies and practices that have discouraged youths from the South-East region from joining the military and other security agencies.
In a detailed statement, the group claimed that these “atrocity-policies and conducts,” allegedly in place since 2015, have led many parents in the region to prevent their children from enlisting in the armed forces.
Declining South-East Participation
According to the report, concerns raised by the Nigerian Army over low recruitment from the South-East are linked to deeper issues of trust and safety.
The group cited figures suggesting that out of 38,000 recruitment slots nationwide, only 123 applicants came from the South-East. It argued that this trend is not new and has been observed repeatedly between 2021 and 2024.
Allegations of Human Rights Violations
Intersociety alleged that thousands of young people from the region—particularly males aged 18 to 40—have been victims of extrajudicial killings, abductions, and enforced disappearances.
The group further claimed that some of these incidents occurred during internal security operations, while others were allegedly linked to military deployments in the region. It also accused security agencies of failing to properly investigate or account for missing persons.
Eight Key Allegations Highlighted
The report outlined eight major allegations, including:
- Lack of accountability for killings and disappearances of South-East residents
- Alleged targeted violence during operations linked to separatist agitation
- Claims of destruction of homes and displacement of communities
- Allegations of bias and discriminatory practices in military operations
- Concerns over alleged killings of Igbo officers in insurgency zones
- Reports of mass arrests and detentions without due process
- Fear of renewed violence during nationwide protests
- Claims of unequal treatment between insurgents in the North and suspects in the South-East
Ignored Reports and Growing Distrust
The organization stated that multiple reports submitted by rights groups, including Amnesty International, have not received adequate response from authorities.
It further alleged that instead of addressing the concerns, authorities have engaged in denial and intimidation of activists and researchers.
Call for Accountability
Intersociety urged the Nigerian government and security agencies to investigate the allegations and restore public confidence.
The group emphasized that addressing these concerns is essential to rebuilding trust and encouraging youth participation in national security institutions.
While the claims remain allegations requiring independent verification, the report highlights growing concerns over recruitment disparities and public perception of security agencies in Nigeria’s South-East.
Analysts say resolving these issues will require transparency, accountability, and sustained engagement between authorities and affected communities.
