Nigerian army have metamorphosed to a greater height despite political, tribal, religious, terrorism and corruption challenges which has since keep affecting operations and structure negatively.
The History Of Nigeria Army:
Nigeria got her independence from the colonial master, Great Britain in October 1st 1960 but the origin of Nigerian army can be traced nearly 100 years before the nowadays Nigerian army.
He was known to have been a recalcitrant officer and violated many laws while working as the governor of Lagos colony. However, in 1863, he selected most Africans who were slaves and categorized them into "Glover Hausa".
The earlier military organization members were few in number (about 10 to 18). Sir John Hawley formed the small army in order to secure local trade routes.
The First Transformation:
In 1865, there was significant changes as the small army expands and was renamed first as Hausa Constabulary and then into Lagos Constabulary.
The colonial government uses the army to guard territory near Lagos as they accomplish police, army and other miscellaneous tasks.
The Birth Of Nigerian Regiments (NR):
However, country's annexation was made easy due to the Northern and Southern big units by Lord Lugard beginning from 1901 to 1903.
The regiments was combined into four battalions following the uniting of the country in 1914. The northern regiment made up of first and second battalions and included field artillery and the Southern unit were the third and fourth divisions.
Queens Own Nigerian Regiment (QONR):
When Queen Elizabeth paid a historic visit to Nigeria in 1956. The name of the force was changed to Queens Own Nigerian Regiment in honour of her visitation.
The Birth Of Nigerian Military Force:
When all the units in West African Frontier Force was provided with absolute independence from each other.
On subsequent 2 years, the force or army was renamed Nigerian Military Force (NMF) and was on absolute control of the Nigerian government since 1958.
Again after independence, 2 years later, the Nigerian Military Force was renamed Loyal Nigerian Army (Loyal Nigerian Army)
Modern Nigerian Army:
After the Nigerian independence in 1960, there was more significant changes as the modern green khaki uniform was adopted and the structure was also changed from WAFF to Present Nigerian Army.
All Departments And Units in the Nigerian army receives directions from the Army Council. Also the Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Army is the President Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria.
Recruitment Procedures:
Sir John Howley formed the earliest army with Hausa slaves. But in modern Nigerian army, there is always annual recruitment programme thus:
Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA) is a military university in Zaria Kaduna state established in 1964. This military university admits students based on those that meet the criteria through the normal procedure. However, this university nurtures commissioned officers.
Direct Short Service Commission (DSS) or Short Service Commission (SSC) is a programme that recruits Degree or HND holders into the army. However, there is a limit of 10 to 15 years of service (renewable) and this programme is also established to curtail unemployment rate.
Annual regular recruit intake (RRI) is normally conducted to enlist and train soldiers. However, this RRI made up largely non commissioned officer.
Nigerian military school Zaria is a military secondary school which train soldiers before the establishment of NDA. However, nowadays, graduants of NMS Zaria will still under military training before becoming a full soldier.
There are other military schools scattered all over the country.
Source: www.throwbacktimes.com.ng
