‘No compulsory military training for youths’ – Musa

Musa

The Federal Government has denied reports of a plan to introduce mandatory military service for youths.

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), described the report as untrue, stating that the government remains committed to a professional volunteer armed forces supported by civic national service programmes.

Nigeria continues to face persistent security challenges across several regions, prompting debates on defence reforms, including proposals to expand youth participation in national security efforts.

Speaking during the presentation of a publication titled “Serving the Nation: Exploring Mandatory Military Service for Nigerian Youths” in Abuja on Friday, Musa said the book contributes to ongoing national discussions on service, responsibility, and nation-building but does not reflect current government policy.

The minister, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Special Duties, Col. George Usibe, said the country’s security architecture is based on a professional volunteer military complemented by civic national service, particularly the National Youth Service Corps.

He said, “Across the world, approaches to national service vary considerably. “

While a number of countries maintain mandatory military service as part of their defence architecture, a larger proportion operate professional volunteer armed forces supported by civic national service, reserve systems, and community preparedness frameworks. Punch