In recent days, social media platforms-especially X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and WhatsApp-have been buzzing with panic following a viral post claiming that the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, allegedly announced plans for forced conscription of Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above.
The message, which spread rapidly across different online spaces, suggested that due to the rising insecurity in the country and challenges faced in recruitment, the Nigerian Army was planning to mandate compulsory enlistment into military service.
However, the Nigerian Army has officially debunked the claim, describing the entire story as a malicious fabrication designed to mislead the public and stir unnecessary fear. According to the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the viral message is nothing more than fake news and should be ignored completely.
Meanwhile, the new Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has only announced voluntary recruitment plans to enlist 24,000 new soldiers-part of his broader strategy to modernize and strengthen Nigeria’s military capability.
The hoax may have caused a moment of fear, but it also highlighted important areas where the Nigerian public seeks improvement-especially transparency, better welfare, and stronger security.
As Nigeria continues to battle complex security challenges, accurate information remains essential. The Army’s reassurance should restore calm and redirect attention to the real issues at hand: security reforms, recruitment improvements, and restoring public confidence.