The security of lives and property will always remain a priority in every nation, whether overseas or on African soil, including its giant, Nigeria, which is the main focus of this article. And there is a specific category of distinguished persons assigned to protect and defend the country and its masses. They are referred to as The Nigerian Armed Forces.
The Nigerian Armed Forces have been divided into three major arms, which we are here to shed more light on. We will also be discussing their respective roles, but first, let us start with a glimpse of a bit of backstory on the Nigerian Armed Forces and what they are constituted of.
The Nigerian Armed Forces
The Nigerian Armed Forces are the collective name for Nigeria’s armed forces (NAF). The military, sometimes known as the armed forces, is essentially an institution of the government responsible for safeguarding and defending the nation from internal and external threats. They usually operate at full speed during combat. They have the right to protect and support the state with deadly weapons. Military officers have had significant training in both warfare and conflict. They are skilled in martial arts as well.
The three primary armed services in the Nigerian military are as follows. The three military branches are the Army, Navy, and Air Force. These armed forces were formally constituted after the nation gained independence in 1960. The Nigerian military has only ever been involved in maintaining peace during insurgencies inside and outside the country since its founding.
The Three Nigerian Armed Forces And Their Roles
The Nigerian Army
The Nigerian Army is the armed forces branch in charge of conducting land operations. They protect the nation during civil unrest. One of Africa’s most vital military facets was thought to be this one. The Chief of Army Staff, who is in charge of the Army’s operations, is in control of the Nigerian Army.
Due to its passivity and tactics in dealing with Boko Haram rebels and Fulani herders, the Nigerian Army is no longer recognized as the best in Africa. When necessary, the Army also assists paramilitary forces. The Nigerian Army has participated in numerous successful peacekeeping missions, notably those in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The Nigerian Air Force
The Nigerian Airforce is a division of the Nigerian military tasked with providing aerial defense for the nation. The Lords of the Air are who they identify as. They are primarily in charge of flying the nation’s Army to and from combat. The Air Force defends the country from aerial assaults. They offer the necessary support and reinforcement to the Navy and the Army. The Nigerian Airforce has conducted several airline defense operations. They significantly contributed to the 1961 peacekeeping operations in Tanzania and the Congo.
Using well-trained Airmen was necessary to airlift the Army to the tours. As a result, the Air Force was created. Since then, the Nigerian Airforce has been leading the charge to protect the nation’s airspace. They have helped the Army in several activities, such as the airlifting of troops, combat operations, and specialized weapons. The Nigerian Civil War raged from 1967 to 1970 and was the Nigerian Airforce’s first assignment.
The Nigerian Navy
The Nigerian Navy is the arm of the nation’s armed forces in charge of maritime conflict. They monitor the waterways to deter criminality, patrol the Nigerian canal system, and ensure that crude oil is transported and delivered securely. The colonial era saw the establishment of the Nigerian Navy. They were referred to as the Royal Navy by the marine military.
Over the years, the Nigerian Navy has participated in various security operations. They ensure the waterways are secure for oil exploration, pursue marine robbers, and stop weapons smuggling into the nation.