The Nigerian Army is a branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces which is charged with conducting land operations in Nigeria. The history of the army has been rife with both achievements and challenges since its inception in 1863 ranging from anti-terrorism efforts to gross human rights abuses.
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When Was The Nigerian Army Established and Who was the Founder
The first local militia, the Glover Hausas, was formed in 1863 by Lieutenant John Glover, thus giving birth to the Nigerian Army. This squad contained originally 18 local recruits and was formed to protect the British interests in Lagos.
The Unit extended its scope over the years and became part of the West African Frontier corps in 1889. Upon gaining independence on October 1, 1960, Nigeria Army was renamed the Royal Nigerian Army.
In 1963, it became known simply as the Nigerian Army (this is when Nigeria became a republic). This was also formalized by an act of parliament.
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Nigerian Army History
After its creation in 1863, this unit maintained a police and military presence in Lagos on behalf of the colonial regime. In the end, they became known even more so as the ‘Lagos Constabulary’.
With time, other military units were created. For instance, in 1886, the British organized the Royal Niger Company (RNC) Constabulary Force in the Northern region of Nigeria, and in 1891, the Oil Rivers Irregulars were established in the southern region of the country.
In the year 1889, Lord Fredrick Lugard initiated the basic idea of what later became known as the West Africa Frontier Force, a military formation that was then based in Jebba, a town located in Northern Nigeria. All these were Civil Forces from the Nigerian Contingents and incorporated in the WAFF by the end of 1901.
The establishment of the WAFF had a direct impact in terms of the creation of new regiments within various regions in Nigeria. Among these were the Northern Nigerian Regiment and the Southern Nigerian Regiment.
These regiments were vital during the British colonial campaigns aimed at taking over the entire territory of Nigeria between the years 1901 up to 1903.
They have also participated in the organization of training activities, establishment of sport infrastructure, and organization of sport events. Yet, the army managed to interfere with politics notable during military regimes.
With the decolonization of Nigeria in 1960, the military establishment began to evolve remarkably. The erstwhile colonial force was renamed the Nigerian Army and became an important body in the nation’s bid for freedom, order, and progress.
This change in name as well as organizational structure signified an expansion in the functions of the army from one serving the interests of the empire to one tasked in safeguarding the unity and independence of Nigeria.
The postcolonial armed forces had their own Nigerian leader who acted to build up the nation’s citizens to reach their maximum potential. British commanders were replaced by Nigerian officers, and the army began to have a significant impact on governance and security in the entire regions of the nation.
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There were several military dictatorships between 1966 and 1999, in which the military led the country. The majority of them have expressed concern over the engagement of the army in the political affairs of the country.
In the past few years, the Nigerian Army has also been in the frontline of the struggle against extremist groups such as Boko Haram to the northeast of the country.
The relevance of the army has also grown now that it is actively involved in internal security operations against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.
