When Was The Nigerian Army Established
The Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) was a defining moment for the Nigerian Army. This guide provides an overview of the history of the Nigerian Army and, you’ll learn when the Nigerian Army was established, Its founder, and its structure.
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When Was The Nigerian Army Established And Who Established The Nigerian Army?
The Nigerian Army was established in 1863 when Lieutenant John Glover formed a local force known as the Glover Hausas.
This unit was created to protect British interests in Lagos and was initially composed of 18 local recruits. Over the years, this force developed, becoming part of the West African Frontier Force in 1889.
It underwent several name changes, eventually being recognized as the Nigerian Army. By 1956, it was officially named the Nigerian Military Forces.
History Of The Nigerian Army
The history of the Nigerian Army goes back to 1863 when Lieutenant John Hawley Glover of the Royal Navy chose 18 men from Northern Nigeria.
He organized them into a small local force called the “Glover Hausas.” This group was created to help Glover, the governor of Lagos at the time, with his military operations.
They protected British trade routes in Lagos and carried out other military tasks in the surrounding areas. 1865 the “Glover Hausas” became a more formal group, renamed the “Hausa Constabulary.”
This unit carried out police and military duties for the colonial government of Lagos. Eventually, they became known as the “Lagos Constabulary.”
Over time, other military units were formed. In 1886, the British government formed the Royal Niger Company (RNC) Constabulary Force in Northern Nigeria, and by 1891, the Oil Rivers Irregulars were created in the southern part of the country.
In 1889, Lord Fredrick Lugard formed the first version of what later became the West Africa Frontier Force (WAFF). This new force was set up in Jebba, a town in Northern Nigeria.
The WAFF grew by absorbing units like the Royal Niger Company (RNC) Constabulary. By the end of 1901, all paramilitary forces in British-controlled West Africa were part of the WAFF.
The creation of the WAFF led to the formation of separate regiments in Nigeria. There was a Northern Nigerian Regiment and a Southern Nigerian Regiment.
These regiments played an important part during British military campaigns to fully control Nigeria between 1901 and 1903.
Commanders like Lt. CHP Carter and Col. J Wilcox led the Southern Regiment during this time. By 1901, the Lagos Battalion was created as part of WAFF.
The Nigerian Army we know today can trace its history back to this period. In 1956, the name “Nigerian Military Forces” was officially recognized as the title of the country’s armed forces.
During the Nigerian Civil War, which lasted from 1967 to 1970, the Nigerian Army played a major role in the conflict. The army has also been part of many peacekeeping operations across Africa, such as in Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Mali.
The Nigerian Army is the land-based branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces and is the largest part of the military. It is controlled by the Nigerian Army Council (NAC) and is divided into ten divisions. Each division is responsible for operations in different parts of the country.
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The army is split into three main groups:
- Combat Arms: This includes the infantry (foot soldiers) and armored units (like tanks).
- Combat Support Arms: These units help the combat arms and include artillery (big guns), engineers, signal units, and intelligence groups.
- Combat Support Services: This includes medical services, transport, supply, military police, and public relations.
The Nigerian Army places great importance on training its soldiers. The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), also known as the Nigerian Military University, is the main institution for training new officers, which the academy runs a 30-month training program for future leaders of the army.
In 1976, the army created the Command and Staff College. This institution provides advanced training for senior officers and commanders.
There are also courses for junior officers who want to improve their skills and move up the ranks. The Nigerian Military School (NMS) was established in 1954.
This school offers both secondary education and military training for young boys who want to pursue a career in the army.
Many top military officers and government officials in Nigeria are graduates of this school. The Nigerian Army has been a key player in the development of sports in Nigeria.
They have been involved in setting up training programs, building sports facilities, and funding sports competitions. However, the army has also been involved in politics, especially during military regimes.
Between 1966 and 1999, Nigeria had several military governments, where army officers controlled the country. Many people have criticized the army for becoming involved in politics.
This has sometimes hurt the professionalism of the army, as soldiers were made to carry out political duties instead of focusing on their military roles.
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What Is The Current Structure Of The Nigerian Army?
The Nigerian Army is divided into ten main divisions, and these are the key formations used in the field:
- 1st Mechanized Division (Kaduna)
- 2nd Mechanized Division (Ibadan)
- 3rd Armoured Division (Jos)
- 6th Amphibious Division (Port Harcourt)
- 7th Infantry Division (Maiduguri)
- 8th Division (Sokoto)
- 81st Amphibious Division (Lagos)
- 82nd Composite Division (Enugu)
- Guards Brigade (Abuja)
- Lagos Garrison Command
Each division is led by a major general. Inside each division, there are at least two brigades that handle maneuvers (movement and fighting) as well as an artillery brigade, a signals unit, and other support units.
These divisions are placed in different parts of Nigeria to ensure security both inside the country and along its borders.
