17 July 2008
Lagos — It was a show of professionalism when the 145-year-old Nigeria Army recently celebrated its day in Kaduna. The event usually observed every July 6th in commemoration of the day the first shot that signaled the onset of Nigeria's 30-month civil war. It was also a day that the army reemphasised its belief in a united Nigeria. Reuben Buhari who witnessed the celebration, writes
On July 6, 1967 the first shot that finally ushered in the civil war was fired in Garkem, a border town in present day Cross River State. This unfortunate incident led to the 30-month old civil war between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the breakaway "Republic of Biafra". A lot of people lost their lives, while others were displaced.
In view of the significant role the Nigerian Army played in the resolution of that crisis, the date was set aside, not only to keep history alive, but to remind the country about its past and the need to address the problems tactfully, skillfully and peacefully rather than resorting to arms.
The Nigeria Army Day celebration was first celebrated in 1978 in Lagos when General Olusegun Obansanjo was the head of state. It was also aimed at making Nigerians and members of the Nigeria Army, see the phenomenon of the civil war as a tragedy which, like the American Civil War, should lead to the strengthening of the polity.
This year's event was witnessed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Luka Yusuf. It was not really a low-key event as witnessed in the last couple of years, but was an elaborate celebration within the ambit of available resources at their disposal.
The celebration was given added flavour based on the fact that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the celebration of the army's existence. Though this year's event was shifted to July 12 instead of the usual July 6 so as to enable President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua attend the event.
Amidst the crackling sound of exploding artillery shells, screaming army transport planes that flew in quick succession at rooftop levels and disgorged para-troopers who made perfect landing within the jam-packed Murtala Mohammed Square, venue of the event, the day was indeed an opportunity for the army to showcase to Nigerians and indeed foreigners it capabilities and effectiveness. The Chief of Army Staff had earlier at a press briefing declared that it had indeed come of age given her history which dates back to 1863. In other words, the army is 145 years old.
President Yar'Adua entered the square, which already had in attendance the Governors of Kaduna and Zamfara States, Namadi Sambo and Mahmud Shinkafi respectively. Also in attendance were the Minister of Defence, Yayale Ahmed and that of States, Mrs. Fidelia Akuabata, Service Chiefs, representatives of the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Reps. Others are the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and foreign military officers.
The climax of the event began with the inspection of the guards on parade by the president, followed by the parade march past, both in slow and quick march, physical training and military police display. Other activities that were witnessed at the event include equipment march and the air borne drop, followed by the Chief of Army Staff commendation award to 11 military officers who had made impact in their area of specialization.
Some of the officers were also rewarded for distinguishing themselves in the face of real dangers. Finally, the Army Barrack Youth Foundation also performed, while the event was however rounded-off by Yar'Adua's address.
The president, who is witnessing the second army day celebration, praised the force in its peacekeeping operations in helping to solve international conflicts which has enhanced the country's image. He also noted that the army has also transformed itself to meeting the challenges of a rising global world.
He however sought the co-operation of the armed forces in achieving the seven point agenda of his administration, which he explains focuses on attaining tangible socio-economic rebirth in different sectors of the economy within the shortest time possible. He said the army has continued in a productive partnership with the federal government in the quest for nation building and democratic consolidation.
"The Nigeria Army shall remain a major pillar of our democratisation process, focusing single-mindedly on the statutory role as stated in the 1999 constitution which has created an enabling environment for the armed forces to concentrate on internal regeneration for operational efficiency and professional excellence that has resulted in a military establishment which has adjusted effectively to function within the ambit of democratic ideals and rule of law."
The Chief of Army of Staff who spoke earlier stressed the army's commitment to the unity and indivisibility of the country. He said that they will continue to support the growth of the nation's democracy. "Indeed we count ourselves as a major pillar of Nigeria's democratic growth. The army has just clocked 145 years, hence this year's celebration. It will not be out of place to assert that at 145 years, the army has really come of age. We are celebrating it because we share the spirit of our growing democracy. We have contributed immensely to the provision of the desired security for our national values, political system and socio-economic activities to thrive," he said.
He also said the re-transformation of the army started some years back and they have made some impressive progress. "Training of personnel has in the past year been intensified in line with my vision to consolidate on the gains of the recent past and lead the Nigerian Army that has discipline as its watch word; an army, whose moral, human rights and professional conducts is without reproach while abiding strictly with its constitutional roles.
"It is in line with this change that we have chosen the theme, NADCEL 2008 as 'Transforming the Nigerian Army for the Challenges in Modern Warfare and Threats in a Democracy," Yusuf said.
He added the Nigeria Army which prides itself as the most senior services of the Nigerian Armed Forces has really come of age. The force he said was formed in 1863 when 18 indigenes from the northern part of the country were organised into a local force by Lt Glover of the Royal Navy into a small force known as the "Glover Hausas." Till 1936, the army was still marching around without shoes. And today, they have several divisions and can be admired by other countries in the continent, he said.
But the transition and transformation has been long and tedious. According to him, in 1865 the "Glover Hausa" became a regular force with the name "Hausa Constabulary." It performed both police and military duties for the Lagos Colonial Government. On incorporation into the West African Frontier Force (WAFF) in 1901, it became 'Lagos Battalion'.
"The establishment of the force led to the merger of all units into regiments in each of the dependencies which produced the Northern Nigerian Regiment and Southern Nigeria Regiment. These were used extensively for expeditions by Lord Lugard between 1901 and 1903 during the annexation of Nigeria.
"The Northern Nigeria regiments became the 1st and 2nd Battalion of the Nigeria Regiment, while the Southern Nigeria Regiment became the 3rd and 4th battalions of the Nigeria regiment. The mounted infantry of the Northern Regiment became the ordinary infantry battalion after the Second World War," Yusuf said.
Even after Nigeria had become a Republic, he said the Nigerian Military was still structured to implement British oriented doctrines. Though small and mainly used for ceremonial duties, after independence, the army was nonetheless a disciplined force. The coup d'etat and counter coups of 1966 which culminated in the Nigerian Civil War, led the military to politics.
However, the army has continued to expand in response to its mandate, growing from a force of six battalions before the Civil War to five divisions. Training has continued to improve from the simple to the complex both in content and methodology. There are now indigenous training institutions including 17 Corps Schools.
The roles of the army have also fundamentally changed from protection of trade routes to national defense and fulfillment of international obligations in furtherance of national objectives which was also one of the things highlighted at the Murtala Mohammed Square.
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