The Nigerian Army is the largest and most visible component of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Its role goes far beyond warfare—it plays a central role in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, supporting civil authorities during crises, and maintaining peace both nationally and internationally.
In this article, we’ll break down the official duties and responsibilities of the Nigerian Army, as well as the constitutional mandate that guides its operations.
The Nigerian Army: Overview
- Established: 1960
- Headquarters: Abuja, Nigeria
- Commander-in-Chief: President of Nigeria
- Chief of Army Staff (COAS): The highest-ranking officer in the Nigerian Army
- Motto: Victory is from God alone
Constitutional Mandate of the Nigerian Army
The duties of the Nigerian Army are rooted in Section 217 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and guided by the Armed Forces Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. The Constitution provides that the military shall:
- Defend Nigeria from external aggression.
- Maintain territorial integrity and secure Nigeria’s borders.
- Suppress insurrection and act in aid of civil authorities.
- Perform other functions as may be prescribed by the National Assembly.
Official Roles and Responsibilities of the Nigerian Army
1. Defense Against External Aggression
The Nigerian Army’s core responsibility is to protect the country from any foreign military threat or invasion. This includes securing land borders and strategic installations.
2. Territorial Integrity and Border Security
The Army ensures that Nigeria’s land territory is safe from encroachment, smuggling, illegal migration, and terrorism.
3. Internal Security and Counter-Insurgency
- Combatting insurgencies like Boko Haram in the North-East.
- Responding to banditry in the North-West and North-Central.
- Assisting in quelling communal violence and ethnic clashes.
- Providing security during national elections.
4. Support to Civil Authorities (Aid to Civil Power)
The Army assists when civil authorities are overwhelmed, including:
- Disaster relief and emergency response.
- Enforcement of curfews or lockdowns (e.g., COVID-19).
- Combating large-scale riots or insurrections.
5. Peacekeeping and International Missions
Nigeria is a major contributor to United Nations (UN) and African Union (AU) peacekeeping missions.
- Nigerian Army troops have served in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Mali.
- This boosts Nigeria’s global reputation and regional leadership.
6. Training and Development
The Nigerian Army:
- Operates training schools and academies like the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI).
- Conducts joint exercises with foreign militaries for capacity building.
7. Engineering and National Development
The Nigerian Army Engineers Corps participates in:
- Road construction in remote areas.
- Building military and civilian infrastructure.
- Erosion control and emergency repairs.
8. Research and Innovation
Through its R&D units, the Army works on:
- Developing indigenous weapons and defense systems.
- Improving logistics and military intelligence.
9. Protection of National Assets
The Army provides security to:
- Oil installations.
- Airports and borders.
- Critical infrastructure during crises.
Specialized Units in the Nigerian Army
- Infantry Corps: Ground combat and frontline operations.
- Signals Corps: Communication and IT networks.
- Medical Corps: Healthcare for soldiers and civilian outreach.
- Intelligence Corps: Surveillance and counter-intelligence.
- Military Police: Discipline, investigation, and internal order.
Recent Army Operations (2020–2025)
- Operation Hadin Kai: Anti-terrorism operation in Borno and Yobe states.
- Operation Safe Haven: Peace enforcement in Plateau State.
- Operation Whirl Stroke: Response to herdsmen/farmers crisis in Benue and Nasarawa.
- Operation Crocodile Smile: Cyber warfare and civil security readiness.
FAQs About Nigerian Army Responsibilities
Q1: Can the Nigerian Army arrest civilians?
A: Yes, but only under specific conditions—such as aiding civil authorities or during a declared emergency.
Q2: Is the Nigerian Army involved in road construction?
A: Yes. The Army Engineers assist with infrastructure development, especially in remote or insurgency-prone areas.
Q3: What’s the difference between the Army and Police in Nigeria?
A: The Army defends against military threats and handles high-level security issues. The Police handle civil law enforcement and crime prevention.
Q4: Does the Nigerian Army provide disaster relief?
A: Absolutely. The Army supports rescue operations during floods, building collapses, and other national emergencies.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Army remains a vital institution in safeguarding Nigeria’s peace, unity, and sovereignty. From military defense to civil support, infrastructure building, and international peacekeeping, the Army’s responsibilities are as diverse as they are essential.
Their commitment, sacrifice, and presence in nearly all critical sectors of national security make them one of Nigeria’s most important state institutions.
