Want to know what the duties of the Nigerian Army are? Similar to other Armed Forces, they play several roles in ensuring our nation remains peaceful and civilians live without fear.

The Nigerian Army (NA), is part of the Nigerian Armed Forces, which is one of the largest in Africa. It was founded in 1960, the same year Nigeria got its independence.

A lot of people know that the Nigerian Army is primarily in charge of land warfare operations. However, there’s so much more to what they do.

The Nigerian Army is notable for its efforts in curbing insurgency in Nigeria; especially Boko Haram that had a mission to bring unrest and death to innocent Nigerians.

As a matter of fact, members of the Nigerian Armed Forces have had to mount even more roles in recent times; they are now more involved in affairs related to internal security more than they used to.

For instance, the high rate of Kidnappings and other crimes have led to an increase in the number of soldiers deployed at roadblocks & checkpoints.

Duties of the Nigerian Army

Protect Nigerian lives

The Nigerian Army’s primary responsibility is to serve Nigeria and protect the lives of civilians. They do that to the point of laying down their own lives if need be.

Train new soldiers

Even in the time of peace and serenity, the Nigerian Army must remain on its toes. The Army trains, equip, and organise new officers that will be able to carry out combat operations on land.

Respond to crisis promptly

The Army’s is strategically organized and equipped to respond quickly to natural or man instigated crises within and outside Nigeria. They are capable of providing decisive operations even at the very beginning of conflicts.

Through that, they are able to help Nigeria deter conflict and prevent enemies from achieving their political and military objectives.

Shape the Nigerian security environment

The Nigerian army has a more substantial presence compared to the air force or naval forces. Their presence shapes the security environment. In other words, protects Nigeria’s sovereignty and boosts trust and confidence. They also strive to promote regional stability, encourage democratic institutions, and deter conflict.

Needless to say, without the presence of our army, we’ll have more terrorists and insurgents fighting against our nation. That is, their presence alone is enough to prevent a war in the first place.

Protect and dominate Nigerian territories 

Another duty of the Nigerian army is to protect and dominate Nigerian territories. Right from the borders to the very heart of the nation, the Nigerian army makes sure external forces don’t violate our territories.

Defend our natural resources, historic sites, and other places of high importance

Historic sites and places of high importance, including but not limited to the Aso Rock, Zuma rock, etc. are places the enemy forces usually target.

A hit on those places would be a big blow to Nigeria’s economy, reputation, and administration. Hence the military, including the army, are tasked with the responsibility of protecting those places with higher priorities.

According to reports, the Aso Rock is one of the most heavily guarded places in the world.

Step in during times of insurrection

Although the Nigerian army’s primary duty is to protect Nigeria from alien attacks, there are times when the internal conflicts are too much of a task for the paramilitary.

Examples include the Boko Haram war, the Biafran war, war against militants, etc. In such cases, as we’ve seen and will continue to see, the army comes to calm the insurrections and restore peace and order in society.

Support Nigerian allies

The Army provides supports for the allies of Nigeria in peacekeeping missions. This is more like a function and not some sort of duty or responsibility.

For several years, Nigeria has played an activist anti-colonial role in Africa and beyond. The Nigerian army took part in the UN and ECOWAS deployments in Angola, Rwanda, Somalia, and Sierra Leone.

Although in December 1983, then Head of State Major General Muhammadu Buhari announced that Nigeria could not sustain that, the Nigerian army has continued to take part in such missions.

Most recently, in 2013 precisely, Nigeria deployed troops to Mali as part of the African-led International Support Mission to Mali.

Note that the Nigerian army may perform even more roles and duties as declared by the 1960 act that established it and other revised versions of the act.

The Nigerian army carries out recruitment every year… See this post to get the latest updates about it.