The History of ARMY IN NIGERIAN

The history of the Nigerian Army is deeply intertwined with the broader history of Nigeria itself, reflecting the country’s colonial past, the struggles for independence, and the subsequent evolution into a modern state. The Nigerian Army, one of the largest in Africa, has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s political and social landscape since its inception. This narrative explores the origins, development, challenges, and contributions of the Nigerian Army from its colonial roots to the present day.

### **Colonial Origins and Early Formation**

The roots of the Nigerian Army can be traced back to the colonial era when the British established a military presence in what is now Nigeria. In 1863, the British formed the "Glover Hausas," a small militia composed primarily of local Hausa tribesmen, under the command of Captain John Glover. This unit was initially created to protect British interests and suppress resistance to colonial rule in Lagos. Over time, it evolved into the "Lagos Constabulary."

As the British expanded their control over the region, they recognized the need for a more organized military force to maintain order and protect their colonial interests. This led to the formation of the "West African Frontier Force" (WAFF) in 1897, which included troops from various British colonies in West Africa, including Nigeria. The WAFF played a significant role in expanding British control over the Nigerian territory, especially in the campaigns against local kingdoms and empires that resisted colonial rule, such as the Sokoto Caliphate and the Benin Empire.

### **Role During World Wars**

The Nigerian units of the WAFF were actively involved in both World War I and World War II, fighting alongside the British in various theaters of war. During World War I, Nigerian soldiers were deployed to East Africa, where they fought against German colonial forces in present-day Tanzania and Kenya. The experience gained in these conflicts helped to professionalize the Nigerian military, but it also sowed the seeds of discontent, as many Nigerian soldiers returned from the wars with heightened awareness of global events and a growing desire for self-determination.

World War II was particularly significant for the Nigerian military, as thousands of Nigerian soldiers fought in campaigns in North Africa, Burma, and other parts of Asia. The war effort led to an expansion of the Nigerian Army and exposed Nigerian soldiers to the ideas of nationalism and self-governance, which would later influence the push for independence.

### **Post-War Expansion and the Path to Independence**

After World War II, the Nigerian Army began to transform from a colonial force into a national institution. The end of the war saw a wave of decolonization across Africa, and Nigeria was no exception. The British began to prepare Nigeria for self-rule, and part of this process involved Nigerianizing the military. Nigerian officers, who had previously been excluded from high-ranking positions, began to be promoted, and the first Nigerian officer, Lieutenant (later Major General) Yakubu Gowon, graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1955.

As Nigeria moved closer to independence, the Nigerian Army continued to grow and evolve. The Army played a crucial role in maintaining order during the turbulent period leading up to independence on October 1, 1960. At the time of independence, the Nigerian Army was still relatively small but was seen as a symbol of national unity and pride.

### **Post-Independence Era and Military Coups**

The years following independence were marked by political instability and ethnic tensions, which eventually culminated in a series of military coups. The first coup took place on January 15, 1966, when a group of young officers, mostly of Igbo ethnicity, overthrew the government of Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The coup led to the assassination of several political and military leaders and set off a chain of events that would plunge Nigeria into a period of turmoil.

The January 1966 coup was followed by a counter-coup in July 1966, led by northern officers who sought to reassert control. This counter-coup brought Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon to power, and under his leadership, Nigeria was plunged into a civil war. The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War (1967-1970), was a brutal conflict fought between the Nigerian government and the secessionist state of Biafra, which sought independence for the predominantly Igbo eastern region of Nigeria.

The Nigerian Army played a central role in the civil war, ultimately defeating Biafran forces and reasserting federal control over the entire country. The war left a lasting impact on the Nigerian Army, which emerged from the conflict as a more powerful and politically influential institution.

### **Military Rule and Governance**

Following the civil war, the Nigerian Army became increasingly involved in the governance of the country. From 1966 to 1999, Nigeria was ruled by the military for all but a brief period of civilian rule from 1979 to 1983. During this time, the Nigerian Army was at the forefront of national politics, with several military officers, including Generals Murtala Mohammed, Olusegun Obasanjo, Muhammadu Buhari, and Ibrahim Babangida, serving as heads of state.

Under military rule, the Nigerian Army was responsible for both maintaining internal security and defending the country’s borders. However, military rule was also marked by human rights abuses, corruption, and economic mismanagement, which led to widespread dissatisfaction among the Nigerian populace. Despite this, the Army remained a central institution in Nigeria, with significant influence over the country’s political and economic life.

### **Return to Civilian Rule and Contemporary Role**

In 1999, Nigeria returned to civilian rule with the election of Olusegun Obasanjo, a former military ruler, as president. The transition marked the beginning of a new era for the Nigerian Army, which had to redefine its role in a democratic society. Since the return to civilian rule, the Nigerian Army has focused on professionalization, modernization, and adapting to new security challenges.

One of the most significant challenges faced by the Nigerian Army in recent years has been the rise of insurgency and terrorism, particularly in the northeastern region of the country. The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, has led to a protracted conflict, with the Nigerian Army playing a central role in counterinsurgency operations. The Army has also been involved in peacekeeping missions across Africa, contributing troops to United Nations and African Union missions in countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan.

**Conclusion**

The Nigerian Army has undergone a remarkable transformation from its colonial origins to its current status as a key institution in one of Africa’s most populous and influential countries. Its history is marked by periods of both great achievement and significant challenges, reflecting the broader complexities of Nigerian society. As Nigeria continues to navigate its path in the 21st century, the Nigerian Army remains a crucial actor in ensuring the nation’s security, stability, and unity.

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