………which later became a regular force in 1865, performing both police and military duties for the colonial government.
By Isa Mubaraq:
The Nigerian Army has announced its intention to celebrate 160 years of existence and showcase its accomplishments in operations, research, and development since 1863. The history of the Nigerian Army traces back to 1863 when Lt. Glover of the Royal Navy handpicked 18 individuals from the northern region of the country and formed a local force known as the ‘Glover Constabulary,’ which later became a regular force in 1865, performing both police and military duties for the colonial government.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, emphasized that the Nigerian Army has undergone significant growth and progress in various aspects over the course of its 160-year existence. Maj. Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, representing Lagbaja, highlighted that the Nigerian Army is an esteemed national institution entrusted with the constitutional responsibility of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, and it possesses a proud history of service dating back to 1863.
Lagbaja further stated that the 2023 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), scheduled to take place in Ibadan on July 6, aims to commemorate the day the Nigerian Civil War began and the first shot of the war was fired at Garkem in present-day Cross River State. This date serves as a reminder of the past and the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully rather than resorting to violence.
He said, “It offers the Nigerian Army an opportunity to take stock, assess its performances, interface with the public, and set goals for continued professional growth.
“This will enable it to better perform its constitutional roles and also compete favourably with other armies around the globe.
“This year’s celebration is to celebrate the Nigerian army’s achievements.
“It will also showcase the army’s operational activities as well as its transformational strides in innovation, research and development, civil-military relations, and technological advancement.
“The celebration is also aimed at projecting the Army as an instrument of national unity and development as well as highlighting its capabilities,” he said.
