The Yobe State Government has expressed concern over the poor turnout of candidates for the ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment exercise.

Brig. Gen. Dahiru Abdul-Salam (Rtd), Chairman of the Yobe State Recruitment Committee and Special Adviser to Governor Buni on Security Matters, made the remark after inspecting the 90th Regular Recruit Intake screening at the 241 Recce Model Battalion in Nguru.

Out of 2,431 candidates shortlisted from Yobe State, only 1,605 had reported for documentation, leaving a shortfall of over 800 candidates. Abdul-Salam warned that this could affect the state’s ability to fill its allocated quota in the Nigerian Army.

He noted that the low turnout might be due to poor information flow, misconceptions, or lack of commitment, and called for increased awareness and sensitization of youths about the recruitment process.

The screening exercise is scheduled to conclude on December 17, 2025.