Security and constitutional experts have dismissed widespread social media claims alleging that the Nigerian military is planning to introduce compulsory conscription for young citizens.
According to the experts, there is no provision in Nigeria’s Constitution or existing laws that gives the Armed Forces the authority to forcibly recruit or draft citizens into military service.
They explained that while the military can conduct recruitment exercises, these are strictly voluntary and open to interested applicants who meet eligibility requirements. Any move to introduce compulsory service, they noted, would require a new law passed by the National Assembly — a process that has not been initiated.
The clarification comes after panic spread online, with posts suggesting that youths would soon be compelled to join the military due to rising security challenges.
Experts urged the public to disregard the false reports, stressing that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain guided by constitutional limits and cannot impose mandatory enlistment without legislative backing.