10 Interesting Facts about Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army is a big part of the Nigerian Armed Forces and has a long history of keeping Nigeria safe and helping out in peacekeeping missions around the world. In this article, we will explore the top 10 interesting facts about the Nigerian Army, from its establishment in 1900 as the Royal West African Frontier Force to its current involvement in counter-terrorism operations against other criminal elements.

We will also look at the army’s role in the Nigerian Civil War, its military training institutions, and the various military equipment it uses, including its indigenous military equipment. Join us as we discover these fascinating facts about the Nigerian Army.

Here are the ten interesting facts about the Nigerian Army

1. Established in 1900

The Nigerian Army was established in 1900 as part of the British Empire’s efforts to protect its interests in the region. Originally known as the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF), it underwent several changes in name and structure over the years. In 1960, following Nigeria’s independence from Britain, the Nigerian Army became the country’s national army. Since then, the Nigerian Army has played a crucial role in maintaining national security, participating in global peacekeeping missions, and fighting against various forms of insurgency and criminal elements within the country.

2. Participation in Peacekeeping Missions

The Nigerian Army has participated in several peacekeeping missions around the world, helping to promote global peace and security. Over the years, the Nigerian Army has sent troops to countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, Sudan, Congo, and Mali to support peacekeeping efforts.

The army’s involvement in these missions has earned it a reputation as a reliable and professional military force in the international community. The Nigerian Army continues to play an active role in peacekeeping missions and has contributed significantly to efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability in various regions of the world.

3. Largest in Africa

The Nigerian Army is really big and has over 200,000 people working in it. It’s the largest army in Africa and helps keep Nigeria safe by protecting the country and making sure people follow the law. It’s also really good at working with other countries to fight against bad things like terrorism. Because the Nigerian Army is so strong and big, it’s important in keeping Africa safe and is well-respected.

4. Female Soldiers

There are more and more women in the Nigerian Army these days, and they’re doing an important job to keep Nigeria safe. Women have been in the army since the 1970s, but now there are even more of them. They help with all sorts of things, like fighting and supporting other soldiers. Female soldiers are really brave and work hard for their country, and they’ve made the Nigerian Army even better. The army treats them fairly and helps them have good careers, too.

5. Nigeria Civil War

The Nigerian Army played a crucial role in the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, which lasted from 1967 to 1970. The war was fought between the Nigerian government, which was supported by the army, and the secessionist state of Biafra. The Nigerian Army was instrumental in the victory of the government forces, and its role in the conflict cemented its position as the preeminent military force in Nigeria. The war was a turning point in the country’s history and had a profound impact on the political, economic, and social landscape of Nigeria.

6. Joint Task Force

The Nigerian Army operates a Joint Task Force (JTF) alongside other security agencies, such as the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force, to combat insurgency and other security challenges in the country.

7. Military Training

The Nigerian Army has several training institutions, including the Nigerian Defence Academy, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Nigerian Army College of Logistics, and Nigerian Army College of Education.

8. Military Equipment

The Nigerian Army uses various military equipment, including tanks, armored vehicles, helicopters, and drones. The Nigerian Army has also developed its indigenous military equipment, such as the Ezugwu Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.

9. Anti-Terrorism Operations

The Nigerian Army is actively involved in counter-terrorism operations in the country. The army is currently fighting against Boko Haram, an Islamist extremist group that has been responsible for several terrorist attacks in the country.

10. Military Operations Against Bandits

The Nigerian Army is also involved in military operations against bandits and other criminal elements in the country. The army has conducted several operations to rid the country of these criminal elements and ensure the safety of citizens.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope you found these 10 interesting facts about the Nigerian Army as informative and fascinating as we did. From its participation in global peacekeeping missions to its use of various military equipment, including its indigenous Ezugwu MRAP vehicle, the Nigerian Army has proven itself to be a vital institution in the country’s security. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll find yourself watching a Nigerian Army parade and impressing your friends with your newfound knowledge!

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