Several candidates from Imo State recently shortlisted for recruitment into the Nigerian Army sustained varying degrees of injuries after the vehicle conveying them to the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna State, was involved in a road accident on Saturday.
The candidates were travelling to the military training facility to begin their basic recruit training when the crash occurred.
According to SaharaReporters, sources within the military disclosed that the trip was being coordinated under the supervision of Lieutenant Colonel P.D. Ngal.
A military source explained that the candidates had successfully completed the recruitment process and were on their way to commence training before the unfortunate incident disrupted their journey.
“The candidates from Imo State were on their way to the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria to begin their recruit training when the accident happened this morning,” the source said.
Videos circulating online showed several injured candidates lying along the roadside and inside the damaged vehicle as emergency responders and passersby worked to rescue and evacuate the victims. Those injured were later taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
As of the time of this report, authorities had not officially confirmed the cause of the accident or the number of casualties.
The military source expressed concern that some of the injured candidates could lose their recruitment opportunity if their injuries prevent them from completing the physically demanding training programme.
According to the source, recruits who suffer serious fractures or other medical conditions that make them unfit for training are usually withdrawn from the exercise on medical grounds.
“The Army will not train candidates with severe injuries. If a recruit sustains a serious injury, such as a broken leg, and cannot complete the training, the person may be disqualified,” the source added.
The Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria is the institution where newly recruited soldiers undergo several months of intensive military training before they are enlisted into active service.
Military sources also clarified that the affected recruits are different from cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy, who are trained as commissioned officers. Candidates sent to the Depot Nigerian Army are trained to become non-commissioned soldiers after successfully completing the recruitment process.
The Nigerian Army had yet to release an official statement regarding the accident as of the time this report was filed.