The Nigerian Army has dismissed a viral publication alleging that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, planned to forcefully conscript Nigerians aged 18 and above into military service.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, described the circulating claim as a “malicious fabrication” designed to mislead the public and create fear.

The viral post falsely claimed that the COAS threatened compulsory recruitment for youths who fail to enlist voluntarily and alleged that 10,000 soldiers recruited last year had gone missing — a claim Anele said had no basis whatsoever.

According to the Army spokesperson, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu never made such comments “at any time or in any forum.” She warned individuals and groups behind the hoax to desist, stressing that those spreading false or inciting information would be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Army urged Nigerians to ignore the rumour and rely only on verified official communication channels and authorised social media accounts for accurate updates.