The Nigerian Army is a branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces, which was established in 1960. Its history, however, dates back to 1863 when Lieutenant John Hawley Glover formed the “Glover Hausas,” a local force composed of 18 indigenes from the Northern part of Nigeria. This force later evolved to become the Nigerian Army.
Over the years, the Nigerian Army has played a crucial role in protecting the country’s sovereignty, maintaining internal security, and contributing to peacekeeping operations around the world.
The army has undergone significant transformations, both structurally and operationally, to meet the evolving security challenges in the country and the region.
This article aims to provide an in-depth look at the history of the Nigerian Army, its formation, evolution, and significant milestones. It will also explore the army’s current structure, operations, and future prospects.
Through this article, readers will gain a better understanding of the Nigerian Army’s role in Nigeria’s security and its contributions to global peacekeeping efforts.
Origins and Formation
The Nigerian Army is the largest component of the Nigerian Armed Forces and has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The army has played a critical role in Nigeria’s history, including its struggle for independence and its efforts to maintain peace and security within the country and the West African sub-region.
Early Military Structures
Before the formation of the Nigerian Army, there were various military structures in Nigeria. These structures were mainly organized along ethnic and regional lines and were used for self-defense and protection of communities. However, these structures were inadequate to meet the needs of a modern military force.
Colonial Era and Royal West African Frontier Force
The formation of the Nigerian Army can be traced back to the colonial era. In 1863, Lieutenant John Hawley Glover established the Constabulary Force, which was largely composed of freed Hausa slaves. The primary goal of the Constabulary Force was to protect the Royal Niger Company and its assets from constant military incursions by the neighboring Ashanti Empire. This policing force would slowly grow in size and become the nucleus of the Nigerian Army.
In 1900, the British colonial government established the West African Frontier Force (WAFF) to maintain peace and security in the region. The WAFF was made up of soldiers from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and the Gambia. The force played a critical role in maintaining law and order during the colonial era and was instrumental in the formation of the Nigerian Army in 1960.
In conclusion, the Nigerian Army has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The army has played a critical role in Nigeria’s history, including its struggle for independence and its efforts to maintain peace and security within the country and the West African sub-region. The early military structures and the colonial era, particularly the establishment of the Constabulary Force and the West African Frontier Force, were instrumental in the formation of the Nigerian Army.
Post-Independence Evolution
1960-1970: Early Challenges
After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the Nigerian Army faced a number of challenges. One of the biggest challenges was the need to integrate the various regional forces that had been established prior to independence. The Nigerian Army had to create a unified force that could operate effectively across the entire country.
Another challenge was the need to establish a clear chain of command within the army. Prior to independence, the regional forces had their own chains of command, which made it difficult to coordinate operations across the country. The Nigerian Army had to create a new command structure that would enable it to operate effectively.
Civil War and Reorganization
In 1967, the Nigerian Civil War broke out, with the secessionist state of Biafra attempting to break away from Nigeria. The Nigerian Army was initially ill-prepared for the conflict, and suffered a number of early defeats. However, after a period of reorganization and training, the army was able to turn the tide of the war.
The civil war had a profound impact on the Nigerian Army. It led to a major reorganization of the army, with a new command structure and a focus on modernizing the army’s equipment and tactics. The war also highlighted the need for the Nigerian Army to be more closely integrated with the civilian government, and led to the establishment of a civilian-led Ministry of Defence.
Overall, the post-independence period was a challenging time for the Nigerian Army. However, through a combination of reorganization and modernization, the army was able to overcome these challenges and establish itself as a key institution in Nigeria’s political and social landscape.
Modernization and International Peacekeeping
Recent Reforms
In recent years, the Nigerian Army has undergone significant reforms aimed at modernizing its operations and enhancing its capacity to respond to emerging security challenges. The reforms have focused on improving the training and welfare of soldiers, upgrading military equipment, and enhancing the Army’s operational effectiveness.
One of the key reforms has been the establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation Corps, which has enhanced the Army’s ability to conduct air operations in support of ground troops. The Aviation Corps has acquired new helicopters and trained pilots to operate them effectively.
Additionally, the Nigerian Army has invested in the development of its Special Forces, which are trained to conduct high-risk operations such as hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, and anti-piracy operations. The Special Forces have been equipped with modern weapons and equipment, and have received specialized training from foreign partners.
UN Missions and Contributions
The Nigerian Army has a long history of participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions. Since the 1960s, Nigerian troops have been deployed to several countries across Africa and beyond to support international efforts to maintain peace and security.
In recent years, the Nigerian Army has continued to contribute to UN peacekeeping missions, including in Mali, Sudan, and Liberia. Nigerian troops have played a critical role in providing security, protecting civilians, and supporting the political process in these countries.
Nigeria has also been a major contributor to the African Union’s peacekeeping efforts. The Nigerian Army has provided troops and logistical support to AU missions in Somalia, Sudan, and other countries. The Army’s contributions have been crucial in helping to stabilize conflict-affected regions and promote peace and security in Africa.
Overall, the Nigerian Army’s recent reforms and contributions to international peacekeeping have demonstrated its commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities and promoting regional and global security.
Challenges and Controversies
Human Rights Issues
The Nigerian Army has been plagued by allegations of human rights abuses throughout its history. From the Biafra War in the late 1960s to the clashes with the Shiite minority in 2015, the army has been accused of committing serious violations. The army’s internal investigations have not always been effective in addressing these allegations, and there have been calls for independent investigations into these abuses.
One of the most high-profile cases of human rights abuses by the Nigerian Army was the 2015 massacre of over 300 members of the Shiite minority in Zaria. The army claimed that the Shiites had attempted to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff, but human rights groups have disputed this claim and accused the army of using excessive force.
Internal Security Operations
The Nigerian Army has also faced significant challenges in its internal security operations. One of the biggest challenges has been the ongoing conflict with Boko Haram, a militant Islamist group that has been active in the country since 2009. The army has been criticized for its handling of the conflict, with some accusing it of using excessive force and committing human rights abuses.
Another challenge has been the army’s involvement in internal security operations in the Niger Delta, where there has been a long-standing conflict between the government and militants seeking greater control over the region’s oil resources. The army has been accused of committing human rights abuses in its efforts to suppress the militants.
Despite these challenges, the Nigerian Army has made progress in addressing some of the issues it has faced. It has taken steps to improve its training and equipment, and has worked to improve its relationship with the civilian population. However, there is still much work to be done to address the challenges and controversies that have plagued the army throughout its history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin and establishment date of the Nigerian Army?
The Nigerian Army traces its roots back to 1863 when Lieutenant John Hawley Glover established a local force known as the “Glover Hausas” to protect the Royal Niger Company and its assets from military incursions by the neighboring Ashanti Empire. The small force was used by Glover as governor of Lagos to mount punitive expeditions in the Lagos hinterland and to protect British trade routes. Over time, the force grew in size and scope, eventually becoming the Nigerian Army we know today.
Who was the first commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army?
The first Nigerian commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army was Lieutenant Yakubu Gowon, who later became the Head of State of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975.
How has the Nigerian Army been involved in World War II?
The Nigerian Army played a significant role in World War II as part of the British Army’s West African Campaign. Nigerian soldiers fought in various theaters of the war, including North Africa, the Middle East, and Italy.
What are the key military operations that have shaped the Nigerian Army’s history?
The Nigerian Army has been involved in several key military operations that have shaped its history, including the Nigerian Civil War, the ECOMOG peacekeeping mission in Liberia, and the ongoing fight against Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast of the country.
What is the structure of the Nigerian Army, including its battalions and corps?
The Nigerian Army is divided into several corps and battalions, including the Infantry Corps, the Armored Corps, the Artillery Corps, the Signals Corps, and the Engineering Corps. It also has several special forces units, including the Special Forces Command and the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps.
How has the Nigerian Army evolved in terms of size and strength over the years?
The Nigerian Army has grown in size and strength over the years, with an estimated strength of over 150,000 active personnel. In recent years, the Nigerian Army has undergone significant modernization efforts, including the acquisition of new weapons and equipment, as well as the establishment of new training facilities.